Livestock price reporting bill goes to governor

A bill on its way to the Governor’s desk would force meatpackers to disclosethe prices they pay for all livestock.That’s Representative Ralph Klemme, a republican from Le Mars. Klemme,however, is among those who hope the Iowa law will help prompt Congress toenact a nationwide system for livestock price reporting.Critics say the bill fails to establish penalties against meatpackers whichengage in price discrimination against small, family farmers. Representative Marcella Frevert is a democrat from Emmettsburg and says theyare removing independant family farmers and asking for monopolistic controlover the food chain. The price reporting required by the bill won’t beginuntil next year.