Roy J Soukup - GIPSA Farm Bill NPR Comment

What are people thinking, do they want to go back to commodity cattle? The GIPSA will certainly lead to that. Packers will offer less money as quality of cattle will certainly go backwards. As the quality declines to the lower prices offered, more and more cowman will get out of the busiiness. Poor quality beef means less high quality meat for the food chain and export market. There will no longer be the incentive to the producer to buy the higher quality seedstock, select for animal disposition, to do preconditioning because this legislation will destroy any incentive to do these little things that increase the quality of the meat. Give the producer the a monitary reward for quality he will produce it, take that away and we will see the quality of our beef decline.Over 12 years ago, we made the decision to improve the quality of cattle, with the belief we would receive higher prices for our cattle. By purchasing higher quality bulls, ultrasounding replacement heifers, vacination program, improve nutrient and mineral program have all contributed to a higher grade of cattle, but at substantial costs, but under the target brands consumer perfer and are willing to pay for. Through retained ownership we now consistently receiving a better return for our cattle marketed than when we used to go to the local sale barn. Cattle buyers and packers just will not pay what the cattle are worth in a commodity inviroment. The cattle industry is not looking for government regulation or subsidy. Less government intervention is a better solution. I believe that the Government more than has it's hand full already. This legislation will only handicap or help put out of business the cattleman as we know it. The cattleman is a business just like the stores on main street. The present administration continues to want small busines to grow and creat new jobs, this can only hurt that endeavor. Thank you.