The U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear the Pickett v. Tyson Fresh Meats appeal gives the packers a green light for monopolization of the U.S. cattle industry. By permitting the appellate court's decision to stand, the Justices have ruled that price manipulation is permissible as long as it's economically justified. The Supreme Court used the same economic justification in its Kelo decision regarding eminent domain. The Justices have also permitted the judicial system to intervene in the Pickett jury decision, breaching the Constitution.
Japan has announced that it will begin accepting Canadian beef meaning Tyson and Cargill have unlocked Asian markets for their Canadian cattle and beef. Those same markets remain closed to U.S. cattlemen as a result of USDA's foolish handling of the situation. At the same time, the multi-nationals have succeeded in depressing U.S. markets, which establish global prices. As a result, Tyson and Cargill will have access to our billion-dollar export market, all the while controlling our prices here at home. It makes no sense for USDA to waste any more time on Japan, its time to tell the Japanese to take a hike.
Our domestic markets are so sorely in need of attention and that is where USDA's efforts should be applied.
In the panhandle of Texas, the multi-national Smithfield has announced construction of a new packing plant. Five Rivers Feedyard, a combination of ContiBeef and Smithfield, are set to provide the plant with 2 million head a year, putting price control squarely in the hands of the packers. All of these things are an omen of what's to come.
U.S. cattlemen are on notice! Chickenization of our industry is upon us. It's time to grab our pitchforks and torches and head to Washington, DC demanding that Congress take diligent, immediate action. Now is the time for grassroots activism. If you haven't joined R-CALF USA, send your membership in today. Your industry needs your involvement.
Japan has announced that it will begin accepting Canadian beef meaning Tyson and Cargill have unlocked Asian markets for their Canadian cattle and beef. Those same markets remain closed to U.S. cattlemen as a result of USDA's foolish handling of the situation. At the same time, the multi-nationals have succeeded in depressing U.S. markets, which establish global prices. As a result, Tyson and Cargill will have access to our billion-dollar export market, all the while controlling our prices here at home. It makes no sense for USDA to waste any more time on Japan, its time to tell the Japanese to take a hike.
Our domestic markets are so sorely in need of attention and that is where USDA's efforts should be applied.
In the panhandle of Texas, the multi-national Smithfield has announced construction of a new packing plant. Five Rivers Feedyard, a combination of ContiBeef and Smithfield, are set to provide the plant with 2 million head a year, putting price control squarely in the hands of the packers. All of these things are an omen of what's to come.
U.S. cattlemen are on notice! Chickenization of our industry is upon us. It's time to grab our pitchforks and torches and head to Washington, DC demanding that Congress take diligent, immediate action. Now is the time for grassroots activism. If you haven't joined R-CALF USA, send your membership in today. Your industry needs your involvement.
