The Organization for Competitive Markets is lauding three Senators for introducing the Meat Packing Special Investigator Act legislation. That measure is being carried by Senators Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Jon Tester of Montana. OCM Executive Director Mike Eby says having a specific person to assist with enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act is key in dealing with the cattle market price dilemma.

In the past a major part of the problem in dealing with non-competitive cattle markets has been the need for increased enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act and enforcers in place that have the experience to deal with the problem.

Eby says having bi-partisan backing for this legislation will be helpful in getting it approved.

The Meat Packing Special Investigator Act comes on the heels of the President’s Executive Order that directs the USDA to consider issuing new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act for strengthening producer marketing rights.