Enzi encourages ranchers to review new regs
by U.S. Senator Mike Enzi media release
June 23, 2010
Washington, D.C. –The USDA is publishing proposed rules in the Federal Register tomorrow that are designed to give small, independent ranchers a place to hang their hat when they have a grievance against a large meat packing operation.
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., who authored legislation with similar goals and pushed for the livestock title of the 2008 Farm bill which required the USDA to issue these new regulations, said Wyoming ranchers should take the time to review the new regulations.
"The Wyoming ag community has told me the deck is stacked against them. I’ve listened. The big outfits have been gaming the system. I’ve written legislation addressing many of the problems, but these new rules could also have a positive effect. It’s up to our livestock producers to judge for themselves and tell the USDA what kind of job they think they’ve done," Enzi said.
The new rules would address about 10 separate areas including limiting exclusive arrangements between packers and dealers, making sample contracts available on the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration (GIPSA) website, outlining protections so that producers can remedy a breach of contract and clarifying what producers need to prove if they think their operation has been harmed.
The proposed rule will be published in the June 22 Federal Register. Comments must be received by August 23 in order to be considered. Comments may be sent via email to comments.gipsa@usda.govhttp://www.gipsa.usda.gov by clicking on Federal Register.
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