The Iowa Senate talked about the future of family farming today duringdebate on an ag-related bill. Meatpackers would be required to disclose the prices they pay for alllivestock, including those purchased under private contracts with farmers,if a bill which cleared the Senate becomes law. The price reporting wouldstart on July 1st of NEXT year. Senator Jeff Angelo, a republican fromCreston, called it a “watershed” moment in ag policy.Senator Mike Connolly, a democrat from Dubuque, voted against the billbecause he said it did nothing to stop the “unbridled capitalism” that’skilling family farmers.Senator Jack Kibbie, a democrat from Emmettsburg, said the bill had no teethas it does NOT establish penalties against meatpackers which engage in pricediscrimination against independent farmers. He says independent familyproducers are “going in the tank big time.”The bill passed on a 39 to 10 vote. It now goes to the House.
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