National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President John Queen, a cattleman from Waynesville, N.C., testified today before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry. The subject of the hearing was industry structure and competition. Queen’s message to committee members was to keep restrictions off cattlemen’s marketing options, and allow the market to work.

Cut #1 :18  Outcue: "...but beef producers."

Queen said cattlemen can often use alternative marketing arrangements to improve their profit margins and better manage their operations.

Cut #2 :33  Outcue: "...of their business."

He noted that an increasing number of branded beef programs have helped provide better returns to cattlemen, but customers must have a reliable supply. Marketing arrangements help them meet consumer demand.

Cut #3 :19  Outcue: "...store-branded program."

Queen added that 62 percent of the nation’s cattle are still sold on the cash or spot market. But even these cattle can be marketed in innovative ways such as video auctions.

Cut #4 :14  Outcue: "...across the country."

Alternative marketing arrangements can help all cattlemen realize higher returns by rewarding high-quality production. This is a fact supported by an extensive study recently conducted by USDA’s Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA).

Cut #5 :22  Outcue: "...those that participate."

NOTE: Queen will testify at a similar hearing Wednesday, which will be held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture.