Farmers Union leaders from across the state adopted a series of policy priorities to address market challenges North Dakota cattle producers face in today’s heavily concentrated beef industry.
A livestock committee of active cattle producers developed solutions based on existing Farmers Union policy, calling for fair markets, truth in labeling, and increased local and regional slaughter capacity.
When more than 80% of the beef packing industry is controlled by just four firms, producers are pretty much guaranteed a lower price for their cattle due to the lack of competition in the marketplace, said North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne.
As an example, Watne referenced the difference between boxed beef and live cattle prices that jumped to a record of $378.21 in May.
Another top priority of the group is a re-envisioned meat supply chain that moves away from national suppliers to more regional and local slaughter facilities.
Other policy highlights in the report included action to:
- Reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling;
- Provide cost-share to help custom-exempt slaughter facilities achieve state inspection standards;
- Allow state-inspected meat to be marketed across state lines;
- Break up multinational companies and incentivize local and regional processor development; and
- Prevent harmful vertical integration in the cattle and beef packing industries.
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