AFBF Applauds Hearings on Beef Supply Chain

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearings on the current state of the beef supply chain.

“American Farm Bureau appreciates the work of the committees in both houses of Congress to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of our country’s food systems, specifically livestock markets.

“We welcome the discussion held by the Judiciary Committee to restore a competitive playing field for America’s farmers and ranchers. It was also important for the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture to explore and call attention to the difficult trajectory cattle markets have followed over the last two years. Prices at the grocery store continue to rise while ranchers receive the bare minimum prices for their livestock.

“AFBF continues to urge Congress to reauthorize Livestock Mandatory Reporting, create a beef contract library, and publicize the results of the Department of Justice investigation into livestock markets to ensure farmers and ranchers have the best tools at their disposal when it comes to selling their livestock.

“We will continue to work with Congress and the administration to ensure all farmers and ranchers receive a fair price for their products while producing the safest, most affordable food in the world.”