Public comment time period extended

By Connie Sieh Groop
 Farm Forum Editor
 We’ve all learned that there are sometimes more than two sides to every story.
   Each week, columnist Alan Guebert presents ideas that sometimes are are not appreciated. 
  This week, I received an e-mail titled “letter to the editor” from Mark Legan who signed his name as “farmer and pork producer” from Coatesville, Ind. When checking the Internet, it brought up stories that lists Legan as a member of the board for the National Pork Producers Council. Getting a letter from that distance is somewhat unusual, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since the Internet takes the Farm Forum around the world. I have forwarded his letter on to Mr. Guebert and am sharing what he wrote with readers:
  Start Mark Legan comments: “Alan Guebert’s recent column on USDA’s new meatpacker rule, including his criticism of the request for an extension of the public comment period on it, was off base.
   “First, 60 days is hardly enough time for those affected by it to respond to a rule that would fundamentally change the way livestock and poultry are bought and sold in this country. Additionally, USDA is conducting “workshops” to solicit comments on competition in the livestock and poultry industries. The next one is four days after the rule’s comment period closes.
  “Second, and contrary to Guebert’s assertion, the rule will not “open” markets but will dictate the terms of contracts, restrict marketing arrangements, require reams of paperwork, create legal uncertainty and limit producers’ ability to negotiate better prices for the animals they sell. That’s a recipe for stifling innovation, driving up costs, forcing simple contract disputes into court and – given those adverse consequences – compelling packers to own their animals rather than to contract with farmers to raise them.
  “The regulation goes well beyond the mandate of the 2008 Farm Bill and even includes provisions that were rejected by lawmakers during debate on that legislation. One provision, which eliminates the need to prove that an “unfair” action actually prevented competition, is contrary to the decisions of eight of the U.S. Court of Appeals’ 13 circuits.
   “USDA’s rule won’t open markets and create more competition; it will close them and lead to less competition, and that’s bad for producers and bad for consumers.” End of letter from Legan.
  From Connie:  There is a lot of heat generated from debate concerning the correct way to respond to the request for an extension of the public comment period on USDA’s new meatpacker rule. Public comment is a very important part of the rule-making process.  Word came down this week that the extension has been granted so comments can be made until Nov. 22. Comments may be submitted via e-mail to comments.gipsa@usda.gov

Harvest ahead
  We’re heard that much of the winter wheat in the state has been harvested. Farmers are now heading into fields to reap spring wheat. Crops have responded with good growth as well as weeds across the area. Corn is said to be ahead of average growth while soybeans are lagging somewhat behind.
   On Tuesday, Aug. 3, our Pre-Harvest edition will be in the mailboxes of our readers and available at regular outlets. Weather events this year have kept us guessing about what is in store for us each week. This week’s story about the record-setting hailstone and storm near Vivian is another reminder that no matter what we do, Mother Nature impacts ag life.