Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO-4) introduced the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021 on June 8 in the House of Representatives. The legislation would require USDA to create a cattle formula contracts library and increase the reporting window for committed cattle from seven to 14 days.
The bill also calls for expediting reauthorization of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting program. In addition, USDA would be required to establish mandated minimums for cash and negotiated grid live cattle trade within two years of the bill’s passage.
Stakeholders would be given the opportunity to give input through a public comment period and through peer-reviewed research from land-grant universities.
In response to the bill, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) said they do not support mandated cash trade, but rather a voluntary option. However, NCBA said its grassroots policy provides for a change in direction toward legislative or regulatory solutions should certain conditions be met.
“NCBA, alongside our affiliates and other industry associations, shares Rep. Hartzler’s objectives and welcomes the discussion this bill will bring,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane.
