Thomas Daschle: “the Advisory Committee on Agricultural Concentration has submitted its final report to Secretary of Agriculture Dan…”

“the Advisory Committee on Agricultural Concentration has submitted its final report to Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman. The committee has been investigating the relationship between concentration in the livestock processing and packing industry and the record low prices in the cattle market. It did a tremendous job identifying the problems facing our Nation's livestock producers, and its recommendations have been widely praised within the agricultural community. The success of the advisory committee was in no small measure attributable to its membership. The panel consisted of 21 individuals from across the country who represent a cross section of the livestock industry. It included farmers, ranchers, meat packers, processors, poultry growers, retailers, and economists. While all committee members should be commended for their determination to get to the bottom of the livestock concentration issue, I want to single out for special mention the two members from South Dakota: Herman Schumacher and Tyrone Moos. Herman Schumacher, who served as vice-chair of the advisory committee, lives in Herried, SD. He owns and operates the Herried Livestock Auction, is past president of the South Dakota Livestock Auction Markets Association, and is part owner of a cattle feedlot. Without question, Herman is one of the most tenacious and persuasive advocates for cattle producers I have ever met.”