The Senate version of the Farm Bill passed on Friday includes a ban on packer ownership of livestock more than 14 days before slaughter. This provision is not included in the House of Representatives’ version of the Farm Bill - a difference that must be resolved in conference committee.  

In the attached National Cattlemen’s Beef Association audio clip, NCBA President John Queen, a cattleman from Waynesville, North Carolina, urges removal of this measure from the final Farm Bill. Queen says this provision would actually be a huge setback for cattle producers that currently receive a higher value for their cattle through marketing alliances and value-added programs. While these programs seldom involve long-term packer ownership or management of cattle herds, they sometimes require transfer of ownership more than 14 days before slaughter. According to Queen, this kind of restriction can only be a detriment to cattlemen.