Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has reintroduced his packer ban bill (S. 2141), which would prohibit packers from owning, feeding or controlling livestock. Cooperatives or a packer that has one processing plant are exempt.
Senator Grassley said, “We are to the point where most farmers have to deliver their livestock to one of a few very large packers. Farmers’ bargaining power is diminished by the sheer size and economic position of the packers. This is about ensuring farmers are able to get fair prices for years to come.” This legislation has been introduced for a number of years.