R-CALF outlines efforts to support independent ranchers

the cattle markets,” identifying the intertwining issues of “free trade globalization” and packer consolidation as the root cause. “The ability of the concentrated meatpackers to source beef and cattle from around the world and then sell it to unsuspecting consumers here in America as if it were a domestic product is displacing domestic production.”Bullard argues that with four packers controlling 80% of the market, the industry suffers from a lack of competition on two fronts: globalization and concentration. To combat this, R-CALF advocates for the use of tariffs to protect domestic producers.“We have been calling upon the administration to institute tariff rate quotas and tariffs for both the cattle and the sheep industry,” he said. “We’ve got to take steps to protect our domestic supply chains.”Convention to tackle issues These topics will be at the forefront of the R-CALF convention scheduled for June 17-19 in Deadwood Springs, South Dakota. The event will include discussions led by attorneys involved in the antitrust and electronic ID mandate lawsuits, as well as talks on the Packers and Stockyards Act and private property rights. Notable speakers like U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) are confirmed to participate.Bullard emphasized that despite historically high nominal prices, the industry remains in a fragile state.“Even in the face of the highest nominal prices in history, our industry is still in crisis because we haven’t changed the structure of the marketplace,” Bullard said. “Unless we change the structure of the broken marketplace, our industry is susceptible to anomalies like what we saw in 2015 when prices fell further and faster than any time in history.”In conclusion, R-CALF USA, under the leadership of CEO Bill Bullard, continues to fight for the independence and sustainability of U.S. cattle producers through various initiatives such as legislative efforts, legal battles against meatpacking companies, and raising awareness about the challenges facing the industry. By addressing issues like the need for mandatory country of origin labeling, combating market manipulation through antitrust lawsuits, and advocating for tariffs to support domestic producers, R-CALF remains dedicated to ensuring the livelihood of American ranchers and safeguarding the integrity of the agricultural industry.