Contact: Anna Hastert, Director of Communications, 515-296-2266
Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack visited southwest Iowa to discuss President Joe Biden’s executive order focused on competition. Secretary Vilsack was joined by Congresswoman Cindy Axne (IA-03), producers, and industry stakeholders.
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association appreciates the efforts of President Biden and Secretary Vilsack to address issues impacting Iowa cattlemen, including ‘Product of the USA’ labeling and the need for additional processing capacity.
“We can no longer rely on a handful of processing companies to do the job, to make the market competitive, to do right by farmers, and to ensure as well that we have a resilient food supply system,” Vilsack says.
Chad Tentinger from Cattlemen’s Heritage Beef Company drove home the message by sharing plans to expand processing capacity in Mills County with the development of a $325 million beef processing facility to open in December 2023.
Richard Godfrey, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association president, attended today’s press conference in Council Bluffs. “USDA’s review of ‘Product of the USA’ labeling is welcomed by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. Iowa’s cattlemen feel consumers deserve clarity. Instead of generically applying the ‘Product of the USA’ label, we believe USDA should source-verify for origin claims and labels,” Godfrey says.
To learn more about USDA’s upcoming plans related to competition, visit: https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/07/09/usda-announces-500-million-expanded-meat-poultry-processing
About the Iowa Cattlemen's Association: The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association represents nearly 8,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa’s beef industry. ICA’s mission is “Grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.” www.iacattlemen.org.