Farm leaders warn proposed changes could weaken farmer protections
Two of the nation's largest agricultural organizations are voicing concern over reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture may remove or delay rules established under the Packers and Stockyards Act.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and the National Farmers Union (NFU) say the rules were created to provide stronger protections for farmers and ranchers who work with large meat and poultry processing companies. According to the groups, these measures help reduce unfair business practices, improve transparency, and offer better safeguards for contract growers.
Farm leaders argue that the regulations are especially important for poultry producers. They say the rules address payment systems that can create uneven outcomes among growers, even when circumstances are outside of their control. The organizations believe the measures help ensure that compensation systems are fairer and more transparent.
The groups also noted that the regulations are intended to protect producers from retaliation and to discourage unfair or deceptive practices within the livestock and poultry industries. They explained that many farm organizations spent years advocating for these protections to create a more balanced marketplace for independent farmers.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall and NFU President Rob Larew said reversing the rules could undo significant progress made on behalf of farm families. They warned that removing the regulations could increase the influence of large processing companies while reducing important safeguards for producers.
The organizations are urging federal leaders to keep the rules in place and maintain protections they believe are essential for fairness and transparency in agriculture. They say preserving these measures would help support farmers and ranchers while strengthening confidence in the livestock and poultry sectors.
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