The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) division of USDA has come under fire recently from the Office of Inspector General and some members of Congress. One of GIPSA’s main functions is to promote fair and competitive trading practices in the livestock industry, by enforcing the Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA). Critics charge that GIPSA has failed to investigate PSA complaints and to properly enforce the PSA.

NCBA President Mike John of Huntsville, Missouri, says his organization has always supported vigorous enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, and he agrees that improvements are needed at GIPSA.    

Cut #1         :22          Outcue: "...with their investigations."

In John’s opinion, newly appointed administrator James Link had already begun the process of cleaning up and improving GIPSA, even before the Inspector General’s report was released.

Cut #2         :16          Outcue: "...to provide input."

John said NCBA is hopeful that Congress will not overreact to the situation with new legislation, but instead will review and evaluate GIPSA once its new leadership has had some opportunity to upgrade the agency’s performance. 

Cut #3         :18          Outcue: "...restricts free enterprise."

NCBA’s member-driven policy does not support legislation to prohibit packer ownership of cattle or restrict captive supply. John says that while these proposals may have surface appeal, cattlemen are better served when government interference with the cattle industry is kept to a minimum. 

Cut #4         :28          Outcue: "...all stay viable."