The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will host a cattle industry listening session to inform the development of a Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program. The session will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. CT. Interested stakeholders can participate virtually or in person at the USDA National Grain Center located at 10383 North Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, Mo. 64153.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 directed AMS to create a Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program to increase market transparency for cattle producers. This listening session provides an open forum for industry stakeholders to share their feedback and help identify expectations for the Pilot Program. The intent of this session is to hear from industry, and as such there will not be time for a discussion or questions. AMS is specifically interested in insights on the following questions:
- What information should a Cattle Contracts Library include to be most helpful to cattle marketers?
- What concerns do you have with USDA releasing a Cattle Contracts Library?
- What format should be used to present the information contained in a Cattle Contracts Library?
During the session, AMS will provide an overview of the Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program, then participants will be given an opportunity to provide feedback. Given the short notice and as an extension of this session, AMS will accept written comments through April 28, 2022. Written feedback can be submitted to Wash.LPGMN@usda.gov. All written feedback and a recording of the session will be posted on the AMS website.
This meeting will be held in a federal facility, so in-person attendees must register in advance by sending an email to Wash.LPGMN@usda.gov by Monday, April 18, 2022. Space is limited and each industry association is asked to send only one or two representatives. For virtual attendees, the meeting will be broadcasted live as a webinar. Please register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with additional instructions. AMS will closely monitor the COVID-19 Community Level and make any adjustments prior to the meeting following Safer Federal Workforce Task Force guidance for public meetings. For additional information, contact Michael Sheats, Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News Director, at 202-690-3145.
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