Farm Groups Mixed on GIPSA Rule

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Farm groups are offering mixed responses to the Department of Agriculture’s announcement it will move forward with its draft of changes to the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration Act, or GIPSA. USDA plans to publish an interim final rule and two proposed rules this year, amid years of debate regarding the Act. The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association commended the action saying changes within the USDA draft will protect U.S. ranchers and cattle feeders from anti-competitive buying practices and help to advance true price discovery in a competitive marketplace. The National Farmers Union called the move a “win” for farmers and ranchers, echoing the USCA comments. However, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association called on USDA to withdraw the Draft. NCBA President Tracy Brunner says the USDA rule would “limit producer marketing options, compel buyers to offer lower bids across the board to avoid the appearance of preference and create an environment ripe for baseless legal challenge.”