News

Producer innovation is a win for the cattle industry

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says they’re excited to see innovative solutions from cattle producers to address processing issues.

Ethan Lane, vice president of government affairs with NCBA says the recently announced packing company Sustainable Beef in Nebraska is exactly what they want to see.  “Trying to make sure there are producer funds available to crank up new capacity where it’s needed is important,” he says.  “Ideally not in the hands of the ‘Big 4’. So where there are producers who can come together and tilt up a processing facility that meets their needs and is in their backyard – that’s a win for everybody.”

He tells Brownfield the Holcomb fire and the disruptions to the supply chain because of COVID-19 last year highlighted the industry’s need for more diversity.  “And maybe launched a couple of dozen conversations around the country about producers getting their own processing facility in our own backyard,” he says.  “Seeing those start to come to fruition is really, really gratifying.  It sends us a signal to keep our foot on the gas and lets keep looking for opportunities to give those folks the resources they need to do things like that.”

Lane says NCBA supports legislation to develop creative solutions to address processing capacity shortages. 

AUDIO: Ethan Lane, NCBA

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!