WASHINGTON, DC. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Tuesday participated in the committee’s hearing on her bipartisan Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act.
During her opening remarks and line of questioning, Sen. Fischer highlighted how herlegislation would ensure every segment of the beef supply chain can succeed. She also noted that while there is near universal concern over the lack of price discovery and market transparency, voluntary efforts to address these concerns have largely failed from a lack of packer participation. Furthermore, instead of being in the driver’s seat, as was claimed by some witnesses, family ranchers often face a “take it or leave it” market. Finally, Sen. Fischer heard from a producer witness how increases in negotiated sales have not resulted in the economic losses some opponents have predicted.
Two panels of witnesses appeared before the committee. Panel one consisted of USDA Senior Advisor for Fair and Competitive Markets Andy Green and USDA Administrator for Agricultural Marketing Service Bruce Summers. Panel Two consisted of William Ruffin of Ruffin Farms, Kansas Livestock Association and Tiffany Cattle Company President-elect Shawn Tiffany, Ziesch Ranch Owner/Operator Shelly Ziesch, and Colorado State Agricultural & Resource Economics Professor Dr. Stephen Koontz.