Wed., Jun 19 02 - NCBA Requests Congressional Funding to Analyze Markets

Suggested Lead:

The nation’s largest cattle industry organization is calling on the U.S. House and Senate to fund a study of the volatile markets and low prices being faced by cattle producers. According to Cedar Rapids, Iowa beef producer Wythe Willey, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, there is a strong need to get to the bottom of current livestock price level problems.

Cut #1        :16            Outcue: "...meat and poultry business."

Willey says such a study would allow beef producers to make informed decisions about the future.

Cut #2        :29            Outcue: "...understanding of that product."

According to Willey, the industry must proceed with haste, but also with caution.

Cut #3        :19            Outcue: "...unwise federal intervention."

Willey says the beef industry does not ask for federal assistance lightly.

Cut #4        :19            Outcue: "...negative long-term consequences."

The request was made in a June 17 letter from NCBA to the House and Senate Agriculture and Appropriations Committees.