WASHINGTON, DC – The voice of South Dakota’s cattle producers was heard last week when National Farmers Union (NFU) President, Rob Larew testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, speaking on the continued debate surrounding market competition and how it relates to national food security.
“Our cattle producers raise a premier product, yet for years, because of consolidation of packers, lack of oversight and the fact foreign meat can be labeled as “Product of the U.S.A.”, in many cases, these family farmers and ranchers are losing money. This needs to stop,” said South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) President Doug Sombke, a fourth-generation Conde crop and cattle producer.
He continued, “NFU President Larew did an excellent job providing the background information necessary for Senators to better understand the situation and hopefully take steps that will provide fair prices through increased market competition. This is not only necessary for our cattle producers, but necessary for national food security.”
Larew’s comments point to the NFU policy which aligns with SDFU policy on enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, truth in labeling, reinstatement of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and more. This policy is developed and voted on by family ranchers and farmers from across South Dakota and the nation.
A transcript of President Larew’s testimony can be found on the South Dakota Farmers Union website, https://www.sdfu.org/.
