NCBA Opposes "Packer Ban," and Georgia Bird Flu Moves
** The president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association says the cattle industry will oppose any inclusion of a livestock title in the 2018 Farm Bill and any attempts to restrict the ownership of livestock in a so-called "packer ban."Craig Uden testified before the House Ag subcommittee on livestock, saying the majority of livestock producers believe the industry is best served through free enterprise and free trade.
Uden says the NCBA opposes any government attempts to influence cattle marketing, as well as the "GIPSA" interim final rule on competitive injury. If implemented, Uden says packers will offer one price for all cattle regardless of quality.
** Leaders of the House Ag Committee acknowledge the Dairy Margin Protection Program is a failure.
During testimony, Chairman Michael Conaway said the underperformance of MPP resulted in very few producers purchasing buy-up coverage, leaving many exposed to market vulnerability.
Ranking Member Collin Peterson agrees, saying the original feed cost indicator formula needs to be restored, but convincing the Congressional Budget Office they're wrong about the cost won't be easy.
** In an effort to minimize the risk of Bird Flu entering Georgia poultry flocks, the state veterinarian has suspended all poultry exhibitions, swaps and meets, shows or sales at festivals, flea markets or auctions until further notice.
The temporary suspension is in response to the recent confirmations of Avian Influenza in Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky.