The WNAX Drive Time program Friday was titled Cattle Markets In Crisis and took an in depth look at the economic pressures cattle producers are undergoing. Market analyst Brad Kooima who also raises cattle in Iowa says the major problem with the cattle markets now is the lack of negotiated cash trade.

Also appearing on the program, past Nebraska Cattlemen Association President Troy Stowater. He and Kooima both serve on an NCBA committee. Stowater says the current market place isn’t working.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley also was a guest on the program. He’s been asking both the USDA and U.S. Justice Department for an investigation into the cattle markets. Grassley says one of the major market problems is the lack of competition in the packing industry as well as them having captive supply.

Grassley says he’s had a response from USDA which has added to their original market investigation but that he’s still waiting to get a response from Attorney General William Barr.