(SEPTEMBER 23, 2021) – Through the Local Food Systems Response to COVID project, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) partnered with the Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN) to develop a new resource outlining considerations for starting a new meat plant. A resilient food system requires a diverse group of meat processors when it comes to scale, services provided, and location. …
USCA Address Mask Mandates for Independent Processing Facilities
(SEPTEMBER 15, 2021) – Last Friday, members of the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) Independent Beef Processing Committee met with leadership at USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to discuss the agency’s updated guidance on mask use in “small” and “very small” plants, or those facilities with up to 499 employees. The same regulations imposed on large processing facilities are not feasible for small and …
Biden Administration Sends Strong Message on Consolidation and Competition
(SEPTEMBER 10, 2021) – On Wednesday, the White House hosted a press briefing with Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and Director of the National Economic Council Brian Deese to discuss the impacts of a highly concentrated meatpacking sector for American producers and consumers. In an accompanying article, titled Addressing Concentration in the Meat-Processing Industry to Lower Food Prices …
Legislation Introduced to Identify Pathway to Reinstate Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling
(SEPTEMBER 10, 2021) – On Wednesday, U.S. Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT), John Thune (R-SD), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Cory Booker (D-NJ), announced the American Beef Labeling Act, legislation that would reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. This bill require the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, to develop a World Trade Organization-compliant means of reinstating MCOOL for …
Learn More: What does the new Emergency Declaration mean for livestock haulers?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently announced an extension of the exemption from hours-of-service requirements for livestock haulers through midnight on November 30, 2021. However, this version of the declaration includes big changes that livestock haulers should be aware of while operating under the exemption. Don’t risk being put OOS! Join USCA Transportation Committee members for an informational call next …
USDA Seeks Comments on the Labeling of Cell-Cultured Foods
(SEPTEMBER 2) – On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to solicit comments and information regarding the labeling of meat and poultry products made using cultured cells derived from animals under FSIS jurisdiction. Comments will be due 90 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. The …
USCA: Build a resilient, robust, and domestic-driven food supply chain.
(AUGUST 31, 2021) – On Monday, the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) submitted comments in response to a Request for Information from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) related to Investments and Opportunities for Meat and Poultry Processing Infrastructure. In the comments, compiled by the Independent Beef Processors Committee, USCA makes several recommendations for how USDA can best utilize up to $500 million in investments …
USDA Issues New FAQ Document on Enforcement of Packers & Stockyards Act
(AUGUST 24, 2021) – On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document related to the enforcement of “undue and unreasonable preferences” under the Packers and Stockyards Act. The FAQ document explains how USDA will address the December 2020 final rule on undue preferences (read the final rule HERE). The announcement comes before two expected proposed rulemakings on …
Senators Call for Review of U.S. Acquisitions by Brazilian Meatpacker
(AUGUST 23, 2021) – Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) recently sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen, requesting a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on ALL U.S. acquisitions by Brazilian meatpacking giant, JBS, its holding company J & F Investments, and any entity controlled or owned by the Batista …
You’re Invited: Producer Meet & Greet
Producers! Come join USCA, Ag Risk Advisors, and LandTrust for a Producer Meet & Greet in Sheridan, Wyoming following the Big Horn Classic Superior Livestock sale on Tuesday, August 17 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MDT. We will be on the Oasis Patio of the Sheridan Holiday Inn (1809 Sugarland Dr, Sheridan, WY 82801) to hear from speakers like: Justin Tupper, Vice President, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Jess Peterson, Senior Policy Adviser, …
Canceled: August Horn Wrap Call
(AUGUST 9, 2021) – USCA will NOT host its monthly Horn Wrap call tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 10. We will be in Nashville, Tennessee this week to present our Fiscal Year 2022 Authorization Request (AR) to the Safety & Product Innovation Committee of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. The project is a joint effort with Kansas State University’s Dr. Jim Drouillard and …
USDA Will Begin Issuing New Market Reports following USCA Request for Greater Transparency
(AUGUST 5, 2021) – On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that beginning Monday, August 9, 2021, it will issue two new Market News reports based on Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) data. The news follows a letter the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) sent to USDA on July 13, 2021 requesting the publication of additional data collected under the …