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South Dakota Stockgrowers Association supports Vllsack decision on GIPSA economic analysis

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) President Kenny Fox said on Oct. 22, 2010, Stockgrowers are in full support of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s reply to a group of U.S. House Representatives regarding a proposed GIPSA (Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration) rule.

Two weeks ago, according to Fox, “115 members of Congress signed a letter requesting Secretary Vilsack to complete a comprehensive economic analysis of a rule proposed by GIPSA which would essentially ‘put some teeth’ in the Packers and Stockyards Act.”

In his response to the Congressmen Secretary Vilsack declined the request for further analysis prior to the Nov. 22 comment deadline, stating in part, “The proposed rule has started a dialogue on a number of complex issues in the livestock and poultry marketplace. The proposal is a first step in an important process that will include serious consideration of the public comments and further cost-benefit analysis based on those comments”.



Although the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the American Meat Institute (AMI) strongly oppose the proposed rule, most cow-calf producers see it as a means of finally allowing ranchers to claim their fair share of the beef dollar. The Packers & Stockyards Act was enacted in 1921 as a means of protection for the cattle producer, but due to lack of rules and regulations has never been completely enforceable.

Fox said “immediately on the heels of Secretary Vilsack’s announcement AMI came out with another series of innuendos and scare tactics in an attempt to kill this proposal. Those who have benefited from the lack of enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act are vehemently opposed to the new rule.”



SDSGA applauds this administration and Secretary Vilsack for standing in support of thousands of cattlemen in this country.

Send comments to comments.gipsa@USDA.gov; or fax to: 202-690-2173 or U.S. Mail to: Tess Butler; GIPSA, USDA; 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 1643-S; Washington, DC 20250-3604.