CONTACT:       
Karen Batra, (202) 347-0228, kbatra@beef.org
Tanya Augustson Camarra, (202) 347-0228, tacamarra@beef.org

Mandatory Price Reporting Bill Approved by Senate

U.S. Cattlemen Support Renewal of Key Livestock Marketing Legislation

Washington, D.C. (September 21, 2006) – Members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) are gratified with the U.S. Senate’s final passage of H.R. 3408, legislation that passed the U.S. House of Representatives last year and will now effectively reauthorize Mandatory Price Reporting (MPR) for four more years, through September 30, 2010.

“This reporting process is important to U.S. cattle ranchers, and since the mandatory law expired last fall, we have been working diligently to urge its renewal,” explains NCBA President and Missouri cattle producer Mike John. “Making price reporting practices mandatory by law assures cattle producers are getting the marketing information they need about their beef products.”

Mandatory Price Reporting requires meat packers to report to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) daily price and volume information on negotiated and non-negotiated purchases of cattle and boxed beef sales. In addition, companies are also required to report beef exports and imports. The Mandatory Price Reporting law expired September 30, 2005, after the Senate was initially unable to agree to the bill passed by the House.

“Back in the 1990s, we worked with other industry groups and government officials to develop a consensus and assure that producers are provided with complete, accurate and timely market information,” explains Jay Truitt, NCBA vice president of government affairs.

“We’re pleased the Senate made a move last night to pass this legislation and make price reporting mandatory once again,” says John. “We will also continue to work with USDA to improve the mandatory price reporting process, so that it will better serve the needs of all cattle producers.” 

Mandatory price reporting originally went into effect in April 2001. The reports are available online at the AMS website, found at www.ams.usda.gov/LSMNpubs/index.htm.

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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America’s cattle industry.  Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry’s heritage and future.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.