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Ernst reintroduces Expanding Local Meat Processing Act

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst has reintroduced a bipartisan bill to help livestock auction market owners invest in small meat packing operations.

“Our farmers and producers are ready to fill those market demands,” she said, “but right now there is so much red tape that stands in the way.”

The Expanding Local Meat Processing Act would amend a Packers and Stockyards Act regulation that currently prohibits livestock auction markets from owning or operating a meat marketing business. A companion bill, the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act, has been introduced in the House.

The Iowa Republican tells Brownfield, “It’s good for the market,” Ernst said. “It would be safe processing of meat, it would be increased industry competition, and then for all of our consumers it would lower those costs at the meat counter.”

Ernst says the legislation is supported by a number of outside national and local ag groups, including the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Livestock Marketing Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and U.S. Cattlemen’s Association.

The bill is coauthored by Democratic Senator Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico.

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