Statement of Linda Rauser for the Western Organization of Resource Councils On the United States Senate Vote Banning Packer Ownership of Livestock

"The United States Senate took a major step today towards restoring fair and open competition in livestock markets with its adoption of Senator Johnson's amendment prohibiting packer ownership of livestock. WORC fought to include this provision in the Senate's farm bill, in the Agriculture Committee and on the Senate floor, because it will protect and expand competition for the cattle and hogs produced by America's independent family farmers and ranchers.

"We will keep up the pressure to ensure that this provision is included in the final version of the farm bill. We will also continue our efforts for adoption of reforms to unfair forward contracts, known as "captive supply" contracts, which packers use to manipulate and depress livestock markets. 

"We thank Senator Tim Johnson for sponsoring the amendment banning packer ownership, and to Senator Thomas of Wyoming, Senator Dorgan of North Dakota, Senator Daschle of South Dakota, Senator Wellstone of Minnesota and Senator Grassley of Iowa, who co-sponsored the amendment, for their leadership in moving this critical issue forward. We also thank the other Senators from WORC's seven-state region who joined Senator Johnson and the other sponsors in voting for this important amendment: Senators Baucus and Burns of Montana, Senator Conrad of North Dakota, Senator Enzi of Wyoming, Senators Craig and Crapo of Idaho, Senator Campbell of Colorado, and Senator Wyden of Oregon."