There is an ongoing message coming from farmers across the country. They want the same opportunities to sell their products as other farmers enjoy. Many times it is seen as a battle between large and small farms. Whatever the motivation is behind it, all farmers want is a fair shake. We see that in the dispute over transparency demands in the cattle markets.
However, this argument is nothing new. It just seems to mold itself to the times. Poultry producers also have concerns about their industry’s contract and tournament systems. Many producers wonder how fair and equitable it really is.
The Packers and Stockyards Act is in place to help keep things on an even keel. It is questions like this, though, that have prompted the USDA to make some proposed changes to help strengthen the legislation. U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack talks about one of those changes in the “Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments Rule”.
Vilsack says that the transparency between contractors and producers takes on many forms.
The fairness that Vilsack says they are working towards is not just limited to the livestock industry. He says that USDA and the White House are working on seed companies, USDA food purchases, and even creating a new position at USDA to oversee it all.
