John Kerry Pledges Support For Ban on Packer Ownership of Livestock

cattlenetwork.com ^ | August 23, 2004 | AMI Release

[prairiebreeze]

Presidential Candidate John Kerry has pledged his support for efforts to ban meat packers’ ability to own livestock, Bloomberg reports.

According to his Web site, “As president, John Kerry will fight for a balanced ban on packer ownership to protect small, family farmers.” The web site also says, “Over the last decade this problem has been compounded by vertical integration by corporate farms, which allows them to control most or all aspects of production.”

In response, AMI President J. Patrick Boyle said, “Senator John Kerry's support for banning packers' ability to own livestock is misguided. Packers take their cues from their customers -- retailers and foodservice operators -- who want to deliver what consumers demand. Consumers are asking for more consistent products from purchase to purchase. These signals have prompted some packers to raise portions of their own livestock supplies so that a branded pork tenderloin or bacon wrapped filet mignon tastes the same this week as it did last week.”

Boyle also questioned why the meat industry is being singled out on the vertical integration issue. “Numerous industries nationwide have been integrating vertically and routinely utilizing long term supply contracts to enhance quality and meet consumer demand.”

Noting that many economic analyses have shown that a ban on packers’ ability to own livestock would hurt – not help -- producers Boyle said that if packers were forced to divest their livestock holdings, the market would quickly be flooded with livestock and prices paid to producers would drop precipitously.

“This kind of protectionism might win a few votes in a tight campaign, but it will cost America’s farmers dearly in the long run, because America needs economies of scale to remain competitive in the global market,” Boyle said.

[LibertyGirl77]

"If he wants to improve the quality of meat and to give small farms a boost, he should put strict restrictions on antibiotics--which will be necessary anyway because of superbugs. Commercial farms pump cows full of hormones in corrals where they can barely move, and instead of bothering to do a little hygiene they pump them full of antibiotics too."


No kidding. I've been buying organic, much as I hate to support super-leftist Whole Foods Markets. The amount of hormones and drugs pumped into the foods we eat is horrifying.

[tillacum]

I'm not promoting small rancher or packing companies. Here in central Texas the small rancher, 3,000 acres or so cannot raise enough cattle to support the growing demand for beef. I'm sure it is the same around the country. The packers have the ability and the money to support and control a larger herd of cattle and the quality of beef needed for the industry. I see no reason both groups cannot continue to work together and supply our needs. There is a requirement for both.

At the moment there is a great demand to stock ranges with Mamma cows and stockers. The price is right and the weather has been perfect for this endeavor. This is the first time in many years our ranchers have been given this opportunity to increase their herds. My opinion that ranchers and packers work together to supply our beef needs.

Of course there is another white meat, and I'm sure they will be facing a similar situation in the future, if not at the present. Hi IG.

[PropertyRightsResearch.org]

Ah, yes, it truly IS an Election Year, where presstitutes will say and promise ANYTHING in order to get votes. Methinks that most members of both 'major political parties'have sold their souls to globalism -- EXCEPT U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado!