MENU
Category: Meat Labeling
Categories:DOJ Discusses Market Concentration with Farmers & Ranchers During Farmers Union Convention
by Lura Roti Supply and demand drive the market. Or do they? Market manipulation was the focus of a panel discussion hosted during the South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention held in Huron, December 1. U.S. Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General, Michael Kades was among the panelists to discuss this challenge with family farmers […]
Read MoreU.S. Dept. of Justice to Address Packer Accountability During 108th Farmers Union State Convention
By Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union Packer accountability and landowner rights are the focus of speakers and panel discussions during the 108th South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention. Held in Huron November 30 and December 1 at the Crossroads Hotel and Huron Event Center (100 4th St SW). “We are here to fight […]
Read MoreSD Farmers & Ranchers Ask for MCOOL During Farm Bill Fly In
It’s calving season across South Dakota, but a group of family farmers and ranchers still made time to travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with policy makers and U.S.D.A. officials and advocate for what they need in the upcoming Farm Bill. “No one can carry our message like we can. This advocacy effort is important […]
Read MoreFamily Farmers & Ranchers Unite to Develop Policy That Supports Their Future
South Dakota family farmers and ranchers are in San Francisco working to develop policy that supports the future of their farms, ranches and rural communities during the 121 National Farmers Union Convention held March 5-7. “The work you are doing here is big,” said Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU), during a […]
Read MoreAgriculture Secretary Vilsack Announcement Creates Hope Among American Cattle Producers
The Product of the U.S.A. label will solely belong to livestock born, raised and harvested in the U.S. announced Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The proposed ruling was announced today, March 6, during the National Farmers Union Convention held in San Francisco (Want to hear the announcement for yourself? Click here. Skip ahead to […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Supports Reintroduction of Meat Packing Special Investigator Act
South Dakota’s largest family farmer and rancher organization supports reintroduction of the Meat Packing Special Investigator Act by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). “South Dakota Farmers Union’s member-led policy supported this Act when it was first introduced in 2022 and we appreciate the Senators’ diligence in re-introducing this […]
Read MoreDirect Marketing Beef Focus of Panel Discussion
During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Oklahoma rancher, Scott Blubaugh saw a large disparity between what he was earning for the cattle he sold and what the packers were earning for the cattle they bought from him. “The packers were making $1,300 a head on the same animal our ranchers were losing $300 […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Cattle Producers Meet with Dept. of Justice Anti-Trust Division
Cattle producers shared personal stories of anticompetitive practices and the Department of Justice listened. “Eyes were wide open and notepads came out,” explained a South Dakota cattle producer. “The Assistant Attorney General stayed way longer than scheduled and the staff continued to ask questions.” “They were totally shocked,” added Oren Lesmeister, a Parade rancher and […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Family Farmers & Ranchers Advocate Meet with Secretary of Agriculture & Policy Makers During D.C. Fly-In
By Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union Family farmers and ranchers making time to travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with Congressional leaders and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials does make a difference, said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. “Thank you to National Farmers Union. In many respects NFU has been the […]
Read MoreFarmers Feed 1,000 Fairgoers & Rural Volunteers Recognized During Farmers Union Day at the State Fair
With grocery prices soaring, doesn’t it make sense that farmers and ranchers would also see an increase in profits? This just isn’t the case, explained Union Center rancher, Dallis Basel. “We go grocery shopping just like everyone else,” said Basel, who raises sheep and cattle together with his wife, Tammy. “Even though prices are up […]
Read MoreStrengthening South Dakota’s Beef Industry is Focus of Farmers Union State Fair Forum
Working to hold meat packers and food processors accountable and transparent is a focus of Farmers Union grassroots policy. During Farmers Union Day at the State Fair, the state’s largest agriculture organization will host a panel discussion focused on strengthening South Dakota’s Beef Industry. Date: September 3, 2022 Time: 1 p.m. Location: Freedom Stage at the South Dakota State […]
Read MoreUpdate on Policy Supporting Fair & Transparent Markets for Cattle Producers
Just a few months following his National Farmers Union keynote address, Montana Sen. Jon Tester provided cattle producers with an update on the work underway in D.C. for fair prices. “If we want rural America to remain strong and vibrant, it’s critical that the cattle producers that feed us have access to fair markets and […]
Read MoreFamily Farmers & Ranchers Put Policy in Place for A Better Future for South Dakota Agriculture
During his keynote address, South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke, challenged family farmers and ranchers to take a moment to reflect and ask themselves: “What am I doing to help mankind?” Of course, the answer is unique for each of the many South Dakota family farmers and ranchers gathered in Huron December 16-17 for […]
Read MoreThis Judge Gets It: SD Farmers Union President Appreciates Judge Ruling on Lawsuit Against Big Four Packers
After hearing the news that a federal judge in Minnesota ordered a class-action lawsuit against JBS, Tyson, National Beef, and Cargill to proceed, South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke said after decades, finally a judge, “gets it.” “This judge gets it,” explained Sombke, a fourth-generation Conde farmer. “My entire farming career, we have been […]
Read MoreFarmers Union Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee on Behalf of Fair Market & Prices for Cattle Producers
The voice of South Dakota’s cattle producers was heard today when National Farmers Union President, Rob Larew testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, says South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke. “Our cattle producers raise a premier product, yet for years, because of consolidation of packers, lack of oversight and the fact foreign meat […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Says Competition & Fairness Are Needed to Keep Farmers and Ranchers in Business
HURON, S.D. – Monday, June 21, 2021 South Dakota Farmers Union urged the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen the nation’s food supply chain by restoring competition and fairness in markets that are dominated by a handful of multinational companies. In comments submitted to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Farmers Union called for greater […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Ag Groups Unite to Discuss Solutions for Cattle Industry
Leaders from six South Dakota agriculture groups came together in Pierre June 2, 2021 to unite behind solutions to help South Dakota’s cattle industry. The groups who met include South Dakota Livestock Auction Markets Association, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Farm Bureau, South Dakota Farmers Union, R-Calf and South Dakota Stockgrowers Association. After discussing […]
Read MoreFarmers Union National Convention Speakers Say Market Consolidation Costs Farmers, Ranchers & Consumers
Impacts of market consolidation on farmers and ranchers was the focus of Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar’s February 26 presentation to producers during the 2021 National Farmers Union Virtual Convention. “Farmers are paying a lot more, but not getting a lot more,” Klobuchar said. She shared that this is largely due to market consolidation – noting […]
Read MoreSDFU Supports Rep. Johnson’s Work for Truth in Labeling
In a letter sent May 13, South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson urges the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to find a meaningful solution to allow accurate labeling of U.S. beef. South Dakota Farmers Union applauds Representative Johnson for his work for truth in labeling. “Thank you. Your support […]
Read MoreFood Security Depends on Protecting the People of our Food System
By Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union Food security isn’t something many thought about prior to COVID-19. But that’s changed. “Empty grocery store shelves in Brookings or Sioux Falls speak to the fragility of even this sophisticated food system we are so proud of,” explained Barry Dunn, President of the state’s land grant, South […]
Read MoreEnding Price Gouging Sen. Rounds says is Matter of National Food Security
Price gouging has concerned South Dakota farmers and ranchers for years. However, it was tough to prove the need for governmental oversight. That is until COVID-19. “The farm-gate marketing system is broken, and it is no more obvious than today because COVID-19 has shown us that there is price gouging going on. There has always […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Appreciates Senators’ Response to Lifting Brazilian Beef Ban
South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) appreciates the efforts made by 15 U.S. Senators, including Thune and Rounds, to hold the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) accountable. In a February 28 letter, Senators expressed concerns over the USDA-FSIS February 20 decision to lift the U.S. ban on Brazilian raw beef imports, noting public […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Cattle Producers Unite for Fair Prices
Fair prices. Is that too much to ask? More than 300 South Dakota cattle producers answered this question in unison gathering in Wessington Springs Jan. 3 for the Foothills Cattle Producers Roundup. Cattle producers called on D.C. leadership to support fair prices through truth in labeling. “This is such an American issue, not a rural […]
Read MoreGregory Farmer Speaks to World Trade Organization
By Lura Roti for SDFU Fifteen minutes. A small group of young farmers from across the globe, captured the attention of World Trade Organization (WTO) members for 15 minutes, sharing their ideas for sustainable agriculture during the Global Forum on Food and Agriculture held in Berlin Germany during International Green Week, the world’s largest agriculture […]
Read MoreCall it Anything You Want . . . Just Not Meat
COOL is the reason Gregory cattleman Brett Kenzy joined S.D. Farmers Union (SDFU). “SDFU is a strong supporter of COOL (Coutry of Origin Labeling). They traveled to D.C. twice in one year to lobby on behalf of COOL. This says a lot about their strong efforts,” explains Kenzy, who serves as Region 3 Director for […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Thanks Rounds and Thune for Supporting Cattle Producers with U.S. Beef Integrity Act
South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) thanks South Dakota Senators Mike Rounds and John Thune for their support of South Dakota cattle producers through the introduction of the U.S. Beef Integrity Act. “This Act gives proper urgency to the Product of USA labeling dilemma. Our Senators’ action in introducing the U.S. Beef Integrity Act shows their […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Says MEAT Act Is a Good Start
Since the 2015 repeal of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), truth in labeling has been a focus of South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) policy. So, SDFU President, Doug Sombke says the organization is encouraged by The Real Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully (MEAT) Act recently introduced by U.S. House of Representatives members Anthony Brindisi (D-NY) and […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Cattle Producers Call for Fair Prices to Save Future of State and Nation’s Cattle Industry
By Lura Roti for SDFU Every year, Aberdeen cow/calf producers Jeff and Rachel Kippley visit their local Kessler’s grocery store and pick up prime rib for Christmas dinner. Since they began the tradition four years ago, the couple has paid the same price per pound for this holiday delicacy – $10.99. However, the price they […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union Supports Cattle Producers Calling for COOL & Transparency in Price Reporting
South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) supports the Sept. 25, 2019 testimony of cattle producers who testified before the U.S Senate Ag Committee. “Across the United States, cattlemen and women are facing unprecedented challenges to their livelihood. As these threats rise, and cattle prices fall, more and more families have come to the realization that they […]
Read MoreTruth in Labeling, Food Security, Pre-K Education & More Focus of 2019 State Policy Meeting
Truth in labeling, E30, affordable housing, pre-K education and food security topped the list of policy discussed during South Dakota Farmers Union annual State Policy meeting, held July 24, 2019, in Huron at the Crossroads Convention Center. “This is grassroots policy development in action,” explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “Leading up to State Convention, this […]
Read MoreLegislature Passes Senate Bill 68 in Support of Truthful Labeling & Livestock Industry
“You see more and more that consumers care about the source, treatment and safety of the meat they eat,” explains District 29 Sen. Gary Cammack, a Union Center cattle rancher and business owner serving as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Our goal is to make sure consumers know when they buy something labeled as […]
Read MoreSenate Bill 68 Supports Truth in Labeling
Petri-dish protein may soon be prohibited from being labeled as meat in South Dakota, thanks to South Dakota’s state senators unanimously passing Senate Bill 68 Feb. 20, 2019. Currently under review with the House Ag Committee, if passed by the House, SB68 will ensure that only meat harvested from animal carcasses can be labeled as […]
Read MoreHave You Commented?
Commenting makes a difference says Jess Peterson, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President There’s a comment I often hear from friends when they asked why they are actively involved. “You cannot complain if you aren’t willing to do something.” So, I’m asking … have you commented? USDA Labeling Comment Period Ends Dec. 26. I know […]
Read MoreTruth in Labeling – A Perfect Time to Share Our Story
By Brett Kenzy, Gregory cattle producer, posted November 14, 2018Just a few weeks ago, I stood before the U.S. Department of Agriculture in D.C. to testify for clear, unambiguous labeling of meat. We asked that the USDA and Food Safety Inspection Service not to allow lab-cultured protein to be labeled as meat.Before I shared my […]
Read MoreSD Farmers Union Testifies in D.C. for Truthful Labeling of Meat Today
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is deciding whether or not lab-cultured tissue should be labeled as meat. Many do not support labeling foods produced using animal cell culture technology as meat. And, for good reason, said Eric Sumption, a Frederick cattle producer who traveled to D.C. to testify on behalf of his family’s cow/calf […]
Read MorePrime Rib from a Petri Dish???
By Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union & fourth-generation Conde cattle producer The U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently deciding whether or not to allow lab-cultured protein to be labeled as meat. “Really?” you may ask. “This could mean that I could buy a product labeled as hamburger or steak at the grocery […]
Read MoreSD Farmers Union President Responds to United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement
HURON, S.D. – When the news of the new trade deal with Canada and Mexico reached Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union, he was both relieved and saddened. “I am happy it is wrapped up, but disappointed there is nothing in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement for family farmers and ranchers. We were expecting, […]
Read MoreProduct of the U.S.A: Why Does the USDA Allow False Advertising for Meat?
When I buy steak or burger, I always look for the Product of the U.S.A label. So, I’m buying U.S. beef right? Well, in truth, the Product of the U.S.A. label doesn’t mean much.Meat from foreign countries, like Mexico, Argentina and Canada, inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can carry this label. Which […]
Read MoreThe Rural Lobbyist: Legislators’ misplaced fears kill COOL legislation.
February 24, 2017 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Country of Origin Labeling in South Dakota suffered a setback on Tuesday as members of the Senate voted to kill Senate Bill 135. SB 135 would have required retailers to label all beef by it’s country/countries of origin. During the debate on the floor, proponents of […]
Read MoreCALL TO ACTION: All Hands On Deck! COOL Bill (SB 135) moves to the Senate Floor!
February 17, 2017 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union SENATE BILL 135 (COOL) IS HEADING TO THE FLOOR! DEBATE IS SET TO BEGIN TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21st. FOR INFORMATION ON THE BILL CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S POST HERE. OR THIS WEEK’S POST HERE. WE NEED YOUR HELP REACHING OUR SENATORS TO BUILD SUPPORT TO BRING COOL […]
Read MoreThe Rural Lobbyist: SDFU Members Show Up and Make an Impact As COOL Passes Out of Committee.
February 17, 2017 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Country of Origin Labeling passed the first of four hurdles Wednesday when Senate Bill 135 passed out of the Senate State Affairs committee by a vote of 5-3. As you recall, the bill was the centerpiece of a call to action sent out by SDFU last week; you can […]
Read MoreThe Rural Lobbyist: CALL TO ACTION! COOL BILL WILL BE HEARD FEB. 15TH
February 9, 2017 – By #South Dakota Farmer UnionTHIS IS A CALL TO ACTION! Senate Bill 135, a bill to create stronger Country of Origin Labeling standards in South Dakota, will be heard in Senate State Affairs on Wednesday, February 15 at 10:00 AM. We need all members and concerned citizens to show up and show their support for […]
Read MoreThe Rural Lobbyist: Country of Origin Labeling to make its return to the legislature.
January 27, 2017 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Country of Origin Labeling will be the topic of discussion the Senate State Affairs committee when they take up SB 135. This legislation is similar to the legislation proposed last session that was narrowly defeated in the House Ag and Natural Resources Committee. In SB 135, retailers of all […]
Read MoreRural Lobbyist: South Dakota Solidifies COOL Support with Passage of HCR 1016
March 2, 2016 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union With a vote of 20-15, the Senate has passed HCR 1016 in support of the rancher approved and consumer friendly country of origin labeling law. The legislation has now successfully passed both bodies and in doing so, sends a clear message to our national delegations. With the WTO […]
Read MoreRural Lobbyist: CALL TO ACTION! House Ag and Natural Resources Committee to Debate COOL Legislation.
February 19, 2016 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Recently family ranchers and consumers were dealt a blow with the World Trade Organization verdict on Country of Origin Labeling. Congress soon after passed a full COOL repeal and the popular meat labeling law was gone. Consumers and ranchers in South Dakota will once again have benefit from such […]
Read MoreNFU Opposes Proposed Rule to Allow Beef Imports from Namibia, Cites 2015 Outbreak of Highly Contagious FMD
November 19, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke, supports the National Farmers Union (NFU) in urging the administration to oppose a proposed rule that would make Namibia an eligible country to export meat to the United States. Namibia just this year experienced an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). “When you […]
Read MoreS.D. Farmers Union President says Proposed New Language Ventures too Far from Policy of Country of Origin Labeling
New language tied to today’s Transportation Funding Bill could dramatically impact the strength of current Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) legislation, said Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President and a Conde, S.D. farmer. “The new language diminishes COOL’s ability to protect American consumers – it basically means that retailers no longer need to label where […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Extremely Disappointed With APHIS Decision to Allow Importation of Beef from Areas with Foot and Mouth Disease
June 30, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke, joins with the National Farmers Union organization in stating his extreme disappointment over the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) decision to allow importation of fresh and chilled beef from regions of Brazil and Argentina which […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union joins with National Farmers Union Assures Senate There Remains a Viable Path Forward to Save The Law, Satisfy WTO
June 15, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union South Dakota Farmers Union is disappointed with the June 10 vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to repeal Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL). “The National Farmers Union President said it best, this was a ‘disappointing, knee-jerk overreaction’” said Doug Sombke, South Dakota Farmers Union President, quoting NFU President, Roger Johnson. […]
Read MoreFarmers Union Urges Noem to Speak Out Against Repeal of COOL
June 4, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union A bill to repeal Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) is expected to be on the House floor next week. South Dakota Farmers Union urges Representative Kristi Noem to speak out against the repeal of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). “For the rights of South Dakota’s farmers, ranchers and consumers, […]
Read MoreUn-COOL. The Congressional Attack on Consumer Rights
May 22, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer UnionDo you have the right to know where the food you eat comes from? It is a simple question. So why are there so many complicated answers? I asked myself these questions on my flight back home from Washington D.C. Over the past week, a select group of SDFU members […]
Read MoreLetter to the Editor: Keeping COOL Under Pressure
May 19, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union Summer meals for many begin on the grill. What if I told you the sanctity of throwing a burger or steak on the grill is under attack? And, this attack is specifically directed at your rights as a consumer? Currently, members of Congress are attempting to undermine an integral […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Supports COOL Locally & in D.C.
South Dakota Farmers Union hosted a COOL rally May 8, 2015, in Watertown during President Obama’s visit to remind the Administration to maintain Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) as a federal law. “We are working to keep COOL on people’s minds so they will remind Congressional leadership of the important role it plays in food […]
Read MoreRally to Support Country of Origin Labeling This Friday May 8 in Watertown
May 6, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer UnionSouth Dakota Farmers Union is hosting a rally to support Country of Origin Labeling or COOL, Friday May 8, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Belmont Park in Watertown, (on the northeast corner of Third Avenue & 9th St.). All farmers, ranchers and citizens are encouraged to attend […]
Read MoreKeep COOL and Make Your Voice Heard
May 5, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union By President Doug Sombke On a recent trip to Italy, I was struck by the fact that the menus in nearly every restaurant I patronized labeled all ingredients by their country of origin. Although the U.S. has a Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law that was passed in 2008, […]
Read MoreCall to Action #KeepCool
February 18, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union As COOL supporters celebrate the recent dismissal of the U.S. District Court lawsuit on Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL); the multinational meatpacking industry and their allies who filed the lawsuit are lobbying YOUR South Dakota Legislators and Congressional Leaders. Don’t let their money and influence take away American consumer’s right to […]
Read MoreMad Cow Disease in Canada Affirms Need for COOL
February 13, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer UnionThe recent case of Mad Cow disease confirmed in Canada affirms the value of COOL (County-of-Origin-Labeling) to protect Americans’ meat supply, said Doug Sombke South Dakota Farmers Union President. “Do you really want your lawmakers to repeal a law that tells you where your food comes from? In light of […]
Read MoreCOOL Lawsuit Dropped
February 12, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union South Dakota Farmers Union, Cattle Producers & Consumers Praise U.S. Dist. Court Decision to Dismiss COOL Lawsuit South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke, praised the Feb. 9, 2015 dismissal of the U.S. District Court lawsuit on Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), filed by the multinational meatpacking industry and their allies in […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union, Cattle Producers & Consumers Praise U.S. Dist. Court Decision to Dismiss COOL Lawsuit
South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke, praised the Feb. 9, 2015 dismissal of the U.S. District Court lawsuit on Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), filed by the multinational meatpacking industry and their allies in an attempt to stop the USDA from implementing the very popular labeling law. “COOL is designed to protect the rights of American […]
Read MoreSouth Dakota Farmers Union Praises U.S. Dist. Court Decision to Dismiss COOL Lawsuit
HURON, S.D. – South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke praised the Feb. 9, 2015 dismissal of the U.S. District Court lawsuit on Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), filed by the multinational meatpacking industry and their allies in an attempt to stop the USDA from implementing the very popular labeling law. “COOL is designed to protect the rights […]
Read MoreNot COOL
January 23, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer UnionCOOL has been under attack since its implementation in 2008 and the fires of angst were stoked most recently after the World Trade Organization’s ruling in October. While opponents of COOL have used the ruling to fuel their attack on the legislation, they have also ignored the fact that the […]
Read More