- Request Congress enact mandatory beef and pork country-of-origin labeling laws similar to those Japan, Korea, Canada and the European Union have in place. Call Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., at 866-850-3855 , Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., at 844-875-5268 , or Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., at 855-225-2801 .
- A congressional investigation into price fixing by retailers and wholesalers - the price of beef has not been reduced in the retail sector to reflect the 45 percent drop in live cattle prices.
- A ban on packer ownership of cattle limited to 14 days before slaughter.
- Require importation of all meats to meet or exceed the current U.S. Department of Agriculture safety standards.
- Break up the big meat packer monopoly with Teddy Roosevelt-style antitrust actions.
- Toughen mandatory price reporting, especially in the hog complex - eliminate language stating “market prices can not be given because of confidentiality issues,” and include prices paid by wholesalers for imported meats.
- Support organizations such as R-Calf, Stockgrowers and the Farmers Union.
- Do not sell cattle on formula contracts, it appears to be a way to give us less for our product.
- Do not forward contract live or feeder cattle without a firm price.
- Ask for an immediate retention of moratoriums on all cattle from Hoof and Mouth Infected countries.
- Do business with locally owned Livestock Marketing Association livestock markets for true price transparency.
- Support changes to allow Chicago Mercantile Exchange deliveries of feeder cattle to be reinstated. For more information, contact livestock representative Kim Ulmer at 605-845-8700 .
- Buy locally from local beef, pork and poultry producers. Have meat processed at local butcher shops and meat lockers for the best value and highest quality of meat.
- Ask your lender to get involved to help make these changes for his good as well as yours.
- Have a blessed Christmas and safe New Year!
Editor's note: Kloucek is a former Democratic South Dakota Representative from Scotland, S.D.
