Press Releases
Subcommittee Examines Issues Facing Pork Industry
Washington, DC,
May 4, 2011
The Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, held a public hearing today to review the state of America’s pork industry.
MEDIA CONTACT: Rep. Tom Rooney, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, held a public hearing today to review the state of America’s pork industry. Members of the Subcommittee heard statements from witnesses that represented a cross-section of the pork industry, including a small farrow-to-finish producer, an owner of a large family-owned pork farming network, and a packer. The witnesses discussed the economic and policy issues currently affecting the pork industry, including international trade, feed availability, animal health and welfare, environmental policies, and the proposed Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rule adding new regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act. “Pork is the most consumed meat in the world, and U.S. pork producers are doing a tremendous job in meeting the growing demand for this high-quality, safe, and nutritious source of protein. The trust that global consumers have in U.S. pork is based upon the commitment that our producers have made to responsible animal care, environmental stewardship, and advancements in food safety. Today’s hearing helped shed light on some of the current economic conditions and public policy challenges that our producers face as they work to enhance the quality of pork production in our nation,” said Chairman Tom Rooney (R-FL). "I thank our witnesses for joining us today to share their firsthand perspectives on the challenges facing the pork industry. As we continue listening to our agriculture producers, this panel will pay special attention to their feedback on which federal programs are most effective and economically efficient. Focusing our resources on initiatives that best help our agriculture producers will ensure they can continue to thrive and feed our nation," said Ranking Member Dennis Cardoza (D-CA). Written testimony provided by the witnesses is available below. Witness List: Panel I Mr. Doug Wolf, Owner, Wolf L&G Farms, LLC., Lancaster, Wisconsin Mrs. Julie Maschhoff, Vice President, The Maschhoffs, Inc., Carlyle, Illinois Mr. Rod K. Brenneman, President and CEO, Seaboard Foods, Shawnee Mission, Kansas ### |