Vilsack Discusses Ways To Help The Livestock Industry

Many agree that additional processing capacity within the livestock sector is needed to address current issues within the industry. But as Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently told the house Agriculture Committee, other forms of assistance are available from USDA, or are being developed. For example, he pointed to reducing overtime inspection costs for small and very small processors.

"Over 1879 facilities have already received assistance and help from the USDA"

As well as modernization of existing processing facilities.

"We have over 245 applications that are in the process of being reviews now. Roughly $55 million dollars available for that purpose."

The Secretary also believes in developing future availability and training opportunities for the livestock industry workforce. His overall goal?

"To strike a better balance between supply and demand, between processing capacity and competition, with greater transparency so that we can have a stable, dependent, and fair market."

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