{"id":203590,"date":"2020-07-14T11:02:22","date_gmt":"2020-07-14T16:02:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/?p=203590"},"modified":"2020-07-14T11:02:22","modified_gmt":"2020-07-14T16:02:22","slug":"farmers-union-leaders-adopt-policy-priorities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/?p=203590","title":{"rendered":"Farmers Union leaders adopt policy priorities"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Jamestown\u00a0\u00a0 (NDFU) \u2013 Farmers Union leaders from across the state has adopted a series of policy priorities\u00a0 to address market challenges North Dakota cattle producers face in today\u2019s heavily concentrated beef industry. An ad hoc livestock committee of active cattle producers developed solutions based on existing Farmers Union policy, calling for fair markets, truth in labeling, and increased local and regional slaughter capacity.<\/p>\n

North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) President Mark Watne, says, \u201cWhen more than 80% of the beef packing industry is controlled by just four firms, producers are pretty much guaranteed a lower price for their cattle due to the lack of competition in the marketplace.\u00a0 The challenges are immense. Change needs to happen now.\u201d<\/p>\n

As an example, Watne referenced the difference between boxed beef and live cattle prices that jumped to a record $378.21 in May. \u201cThat\u2019s clear evidence of price fixing by meatpackers. Ranchers are being taken to the woodshed, along with consumers and even retailers,\u201d he said. \u201cWe need a competitive market, and that won\u2019t happen until we break up the packers, enforce our antitrust laws, and increase transparency in cattle pricing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other policy recommendations include reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling. Shelly Ziesch, a rancher from Pettibone who chaired the committee, \u201cConsumers shouldn\u2019t be kept in the dark any longer. They have a right to know where their beef comes from and we, as ranchers, should be compensated for the high quality beef we produce.\u00a0 All we\u2019re asking for is to differentiate our beef from foreign products and let the consumer decide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another top priority of the group is a re-envisioned meat supply chain that moves away from national suppliers to more regional and local slaughter facilities. North Dakota is home to roughly 1.83 million beef cattle and calves, but only slaughters 8,800 head a year, according to Watne.\u00a0 He adds, \u201cWe need to increase our state\u2019s slaughter capacity, especially through the establishment of cooperative facilities.”<\/p>\n

Other policy highlights in the report included action to:<\/p>\n