Packer Concentration....

[smcgrath76]

I apologize for the internet problems. Gotta luv Telus.
There is a show tonight on No Better Bull. The series is presented by LCC and is usually very good. This is a US perspective, but still relevant to Canada.
From my email:
This week, No Better Bull’s speakers will debate the topic of the recent JBS Swift mergers, including Smithfield, Five Rivers Feedlots and National Beef.

Steve Dittmer, executive vice president of the Agribusiness Freedom Foundation, will square off with Randy Stevenson, president of the Organization for Competitive Markets. They will debate the positives and negatives associated with the mergers proposed by JBS-Swift, the nation's largest packer. Both speakers will weigh in on an issue that will affect the future competitiveness and viability of our industry.

The discussion will touch on the following issues:
• Would we be better off with a larger number of small packers or a few large packers?
• How does packer concentration affect the bidding process for cattle and the cost of production for packers?
• What about captive supply of feeder cattle? Why did the DOJ object to JBS’ purchase of National, but allow them to buy Five Rivers Feedlots?
• What legal actions are pending on this issue and what are their chances of success?
This is a hot button issue for producers across the country. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, this discussion will help you be better informed of the arguments on both sides of the issue. Best of all, you can weigh in with your own comments and questions during the show. We hope that you will join us for another exciting No Better Bull program.

If you are a first time viewer, here is what you need to do:
• Download Adobe Flash Player free by clicking here.
• Sign up for an account at DV Auction by clicking here.
Then go to www.dvauction.com at 8 p.m. Mountain Time on Thursday, Dec. 4. Login with your username and password in the upper left corner of the page. Then, simply click on the green "View" button next to "Leachman Seminars" in the center of the page.

[kato]

Is this another case of dialup being a waste of time? If so, please report back what goes on for those of us still living in the dark ages.

[smcgrath76]

Interesting Story on my cow/calf weekly...

Packer Ban Among Obama's Ag Priorities

President-elect Barack Obama’s website, www.change.gov, gives an indication what some of the agricultural priorities will be for the new administration. The items listed on the website are to “help family famers and rural small businesses find profitability in the marketplace and success in the global economy.”


Strong safety net for family farmers: Fight for farm programs that provide family farmers with stability and predictability. Implement a $250,000 payment limitation so we help family farmers – not large corporate agribusiness. Close the loopholes that allow mega farms to get around payment limits.


Prevent anticompetitive behavior against family farms: Pass a packer ban. When meatpackers own livestock they can manipulate prices and discriminate against independent farmers. Strengthen anti-monopoly laws and strengthen producer protections to ensure independent farmers have fair access to markets, control over their production decisions, and transparency in prices.


Regulate confined animal feeding units (CAFOs): Strictly regulate pollution from large factory livestock farms, with fines for those that violate tough standards. Support meaningful local control.


Establish country of origin labeling (COOL): Implement COOL so American producers can distinguish their products from imported ones.


Encourage organic and local agriculture: Help organic farmers afford to certify their crops and reform crop insurance to not penalize organic farmers. Promote regional food systems.


Encourage young people to become farmers: Establish a new program to identify and train the next generation of farmers. Provide tax incentives to make it easier for new farmers to afford their first farm.


Partner with landowners to conserve private lands: Increase incentives for farmers and private landowners to conduct sustainable agriculture and protect wetlands, grasslands, and forests.
The website also discusses the need to improve health care and education in rural America and the importance of upgrading rural infrastructure.

[grassfarmer]

If only Mr Harper would follow such an agenda!