Following release of the proposed Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets Rule, the Meat Institute issued a strong letter of disapproval stating, “Contrary to USDA assertions the required changes would introduce uncertainty into the market and decouple the demand signals producers receive from beef consumers and their willingness to pay for value-added attributes.” The Meat Institute also observed that with a small cattleherd as at present, the proposed rule would undermine the benefits from growing beef in a market with increased demand.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association is also opposed to the proposed rule noting, “cattle markets are complicated, and the rule will have a overarching impact on the cattle industry. It is a direct attack on producer profitability.”
The USDA has extended the comment period from August 27th to September 11th but this concession over time of submission is regarded by producers, packers and processors as being inadequate. The USDA is obviously expediting the legal procedures before the rule can be finalized. This is in anticipation of failure to complete the process before a possible change to an alternative administration in January 2025.