Three major cattle groups along with the American Farm Bureau and National Farmers Union came together for a recent meeting to talk about challenges in the marketing of finished cattle. The group’s ultimate goal is bringing about a more financially sustainable situation for cattle feeders and cow-calf producers. South Dakota Cattleman Justin Tupper, Vice President of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association attended and said the groups were able find common ground on the issue.

He says the price situation for independent cattle producers is at a critical juncture with solutions needed to keep many from going out of business for good.

Tupper says the groups agreed there needs to be expedited renewal of USDA’s Livestock Mandatory Reporting rule including formula base prices subject to the same reporting requirements as negotiated cash and the creation of a contract library.

Tupper says the groups also want the Justice Department and USDA to conduct joint oversight of packer activity moving forward. AFBF, NFU, NCBA, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, R-CALF and Livestock Marketing Association all participated in the meeting.