From Sen. Steve Daines …

Ranchers are barely breaking even selling their cows and shoppers are breaking the bank buying beef in grocery stores. Hear from Maggie, a 4th generation Montana rancher, about the impacts of market manipulation in the cattle markets. We must bring accountability and transparency to the meatpacking industry. It’s time to pass my bill to return fairness to the cattle markets and support Montana ranchers.

Daines Statement on Effort to Increase Transparency in Cattle Markets Following His Push

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines released the following statement after the Biden administration announced steps to increase transparency in cattle markets and released an “Action Plan” to address unfair practices. Daines describes the action, which comes after years of his work on the issue, as a positive step with more action needed.

“Montana ranchers must be able to compete on a level playing field. I have long worked to address the unfair practices of the largest meat packers that are hurting Montana ranchers. While this is a welcome step forward from the Administration, we must continue to fight to ensure ranchers are treated fairly in the marketplace and that packers are held accountable. I’m calling on President Biden to ensure a full and thorough investigation into the packers and allegations of price fixing and market manipulation and to work with me to pass my bills that will strengthen Product of the USA labeling laws, increase transparency in the cattle market, and create a special antitrust USDA investigator. Montana ranchers produce the best beef in the world, they deserve to be recognized for it, and I will continue to work to ensure they can compete fairly,” Daines said.

Daines is leading efforts in Congress to support Montana ranchers and has introduced or cosponsored: