The Trump administration is further delaying the GIPSA Rule by 180 days and setting a 60-day comment period on whether to further delay or withdraw it. The move is being applauded by the National Pork Producers Council who opposes the Farmer Fair Practice Rules. Minnesota Pork Executive Director Dave Preisler says while they prefer to have the regulation pulled, at least now they have a chance to make it workable.

He says they oppose the rules written by GIPSA because they would broaden the Packers and Stockyards Act related to using unfair, discriminatory practices or giving undue preferences. The legal uncertainty created by the rules could have a devastating effect on the industry.

In fact, Preisler says the rule would likely restrict the buying and selling of livestock and lead to more consolidation in the livestock industry. That would put farmers out of business.

The two proposed regulations and an interim final rule are now set to become effective October 19.

An Informa Economics study found that the GIPSA Rule today would cost the U.S. pork industry more than $420 million annually – more than $4 per hog – with most of the costs related to PSA lawsuits brought under the “no competitive injury” provision included in the interim final rule.