Producers need price transparency if federal funding ends
As Congress struggles to pass funding for fiscal year 2025, the federal government faces the threat of a shutdown beginning October 1. This uncertainty has raised major concerns across the livestock sector.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue publishing livestock price reports should the shutdown occur. These reports are required under the Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) Act, which also expires on September 30 if not reauthorized. The act ensures that meatpackers report to USDA the prices paid for cattle, hogs, and lambs. USDA then shares important information on pricing, supply, demand, contracting, and overall market conditions.
Without funding, many federal programs would be halted, and staff furloughed. Among these programs, the LMR Market News is particularly vital for farmers. LMR gives livestock producers the reliable, transparent information needed to make critical business decisions, while also supporting fair competition in the industry. If USDA stopped publishing reports, swine, cattle, and lamb producers would lose a key tool for marketing their animals.
In addition, USDA’s Risk Management Agency relies on LMR data to determine ending values and indemnities owed to producers through Livestock Risk Protection insurance. Any disruption in data reporting could harm the accuracy of settlements, creating financial risks for farmers during a shutdown.
NPPC has recommended designating USDA’s LMR staff as essential personnel, a step that was taken during the 2018–2019 government shutdown to safeguard livestock producers. By keeping these reports active, USDA can help stabilize the livestock market during uncertain times.
NPPC also noted it will continue to monitor discussions on fiscal year 2026 funding for further impacts on pork producers and the livestock industry overall. Ensuring uninterrupted data reporting remains critical to protecting American farmers.
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