USDA is moving forward on the “Farmers Fair Practices Rules” regarding contracting practices for livestock and poultry. The department has sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget an interim final rule on competitive injury.
This would eliminate the need for producers to provide proof of competitive injury to the entire industry in order to file a complaint. This overturns eight federal court rulings. There are also two proposed rules to address unfair practices and undue preference in violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act and poultry grower ranking systems. Read More