The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is asking the state’s Congressional delegation to pass the Prime Act or similar legislation. This would allow the sale of meat products at the retail level, using a state health and safety inspection rather than waiting for federal inspection. Stockgrowers Trade Committee Chair Ty Littau says the Prime Act eliminates redundant rules.
He says under current federal law, all state meat inspections must be equal to federal requirements. So, demanding a federal inspection is not necessary. Littau says one way to move the Prime Act forward is to attach it to the new farm bill.
Littau says if Congress would pass the Prime Act it would allow intrastate movement of meat and give producers more options for marketing their cattle. Plus, it would also help consumers identify locally raised products and create more demand.
Littau says this legislation will help local locker plants and give consumers a chance to buy locally all of which will lead to an economic boost to the country.
