I am a Concerned Citizen.

[Customize your comment with your story: If you are a producer, what is the name and location of your farm? What do you grow? How long have you been in operation? Why is fair competition important to you? If you are not a farmer, why is a fair and competitive agriculture market important to you?]

The proposed changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act must include stronger protections for farmers. Farmers need the following:

A strong statement on competitive harm that removes unreasonable burdens of proof from farmers.
Protection to file complaints and identify wrongdoing without the threat of retaliation.
The right to form and join farmer associations without suffering retaliation.
Fair payment that is not the result of price fixing or collusion but rather based on clear, transparent, predictable standards.
A detailed, specific rule outlining undue preference that covers all forms of livestock, is suitable for the future of the industry, is enforceable, and has real consequences for companies that commit offenses.
I also strongly urge you to strike the criteria that will permit abusive and exploitative practices that are “customary” in this industry. Just because a practice is customary in an industry does not mean it is acceptable.

America’s farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and consumers deserve better.
FOR TO LONG THE FARMERS AND SMALL RANCHERS ARE BEING ATTACKED! I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT ONLY THE BIG RANCHERS WHO ARE IN LEAGUE WITH THE BLM TAKES OVER LANDS THAT ARE SUPPOSE TO BE HELD FOR WILD HORSES ARE KILLING THEM! THIS A CRIME AND BLM SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN NOW! IT’S ONLY ALLEGIANCE IS TO THE RICH AND POWERFUL! OUR GOVERNMENT IS MORE FOR-PROFIT THAN FOR OUR ECO-SYSTEM OR FOR WHAT THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES WANT! STOP THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY AND THE CORPORATIONS WHO WANT CONTROL OVER THE MEAT AND POULTRY INDUSTRY! GIVE THE RIGHTS BACK TO THE PEOPLE!

I am a Concerned Citizen.

[Customize your comment with your story: If you are a producer, what is the name and location of your farm? What do you grow? How long have you been in operation? Why is fair competition important to you? If you are not a farmer, why is a fair and competitive agriculture market important to you?]

The proposed changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act must include stronger protections for farmers. Farmers need the following:

A strong statement on competitive harm that removes unreasonable burdens of proof from farmers.
Protection to file complaints and identify wrongdoing without the threat of retaliation.
The right to form and join farmer associations without suffering retaliation.
Fair payment that is not the result of price fixing or collusion but rather based on clear, transparent, predictable standards.
A detailed, specific rule outlining undue preference that covers all forms of livestock, is suitable for the future of the industry, is enforceable, and has real consequences for companies that commit offenses.
I also strongly urge you to strike the criteria that will permit abusive and exploitative practices that are “customary” in this industry. Just because a practice is customary in an industry does not mean it is acceptable.

America’s farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and consumers deserve better.

Thank You

Emily Garcia

I am a consumer who is closely connected to the local farming industry.

I see the government culling competition and awarding everything to giant farming/animal husbandry. This leads to lower quality produce, fleeing consumers for corporate profits, a screwing of the local farmer (i.e. “small businesses” that politicians love to support in word only). and an extremely vulnerable food supply.

The proposed changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act must include stronger protections for farmers. Farmers need the following:

A strong statement on competitive harm that removes unreasonable burdens of proof from farmers.
Protection to file complaints and identify wrongdoing without the threat of retaliation.
The right to form and join farmer associations without suffering retaliation.
Fair payment that is not the result of price fixing or collusion but rather based on clear, transparent, predictable standards.
A detailed, specific rule outlining undue preference that covers all forms of livestock, is suitable for the future of the industry, is enforceable, and has real consequences for companies that commit offenses.

I also strongly urge you to strike the criteria that will permit abusive and exploitative practices that are “customary” in this industry. Just because a practice is customary in an industry does not mean it is acceptable.

America’s farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and consumers deserve better.

Sincerely,

Peter Burke

Also we need to end imports of beef from outside the US!

Michelle Canning
Long Ridge Farm
Shelbyville, KY

As livestock producers, we need Country of Origin Labeling on our happy, healthy, home-raised, superior-quality beef. We are 76 and 80 years of age, have no hired assistance, and are proud of our product, the best in the world; our government (YOU) needs to be upholding us, not allowing the watering down of distinctions and letting inferior products dilute our markets. We do not want or need financial help; we just need a fair playing field and competitive open markets.

We deserve your support and expect decisive clear decisions and improvements in the proposed changes.

Thank you for your serious consideration.

I am a concerned citizen who has friends who farm.

I have long watched small farmers go out of business because of regulations that favor corporate farmers. This should not be! As someone who cares strongly about what goes into my body, and as someone who raised livestock herself for many years (horses, goats), I am concerned with humane conditions.

The proposed changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act must include stronger protections for farmers. Farmers need the following:

A strong statement on competitive harm that removes unreasonable burdens of proof from farmers.
Protection to file complaints and identify wrongdoing without the threat of retaliation.
The right to form and join farmer associations without suffering retaliation.
Fair payment that is not the result of price fixing or collusion but rather based on clear, transparent, predictable standards.
A detailed, specific rule outlining undue preference that covers all forms of livestock, is suitable for the future of the industry, is enforceable, and has real consequences for companies that commit offenses.

I also strongly urge you to strike the criteria that will permit abusive and exploitative practices that are “customary” in this industry. Just because a practice is customary in an industry does not mean it is acceptable.

America’s farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and consumers deserve better.