Contact: Anna Hastert, Director of Communications, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, 515-296-2266
Yesterday, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced the Expanding Local Meat Processing Act in the Senate. This legislation is a companion bill to the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act co-led by Congressman Randy Feenstra (IA-04).
The legislation would allow livestock auction markets to own, invest in, manage, or operate small to medium-sized packing plants or meat marketing businesses. More specifically, livestock auction market owners could run beef processing facilities with a slaughter capacity of less than 2,000 head per day or 700,000 head per year. Currently, a provision of the Packers and Stockyards Act prohibits livestock auction market owners from participating in the market in such a manner.
“The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association appreciates Sen. Ernst’s commitment to support Iowa beef cattle producers,” said Bob Noble, president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. “Daily slaughter capacity in Iowa falls short of our fed cattle production. We recognize the value of livestock auction markets in our supply chain, representing the interests of both sellers and buyers. Updating the Packers and Stockyards Act to allow for their participation in the small and regional processing sector may facilitate a more competitive marketplace.”
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association policy supports increased processing capacity in the beef meatpacking sector, particularly in Iowa. After connecting with several market owners and regional processors, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association believes the proposed amendment to the Packers and Stockyards Act could increase competition in the fed cattle market.
To learn more about the Expanding Local Meat Processing Act, visit: https://bit.ly/3Q2sas4.
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.