MPR Voluntary for Next Few Weeks

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service reports that it is finalizing efforts with the cooperation of American lamb companies, whereas they will continue to supply the same data voluntarily that has been provided under the mandatory system.

The U.S. Senate and House Committees on Agriculture have been working on a one-year extension of the Mandatory Price Reporting program for cattle, hogs and sheep. The Senate approved their version earlier this month; however, the House did not get their language finalized prior to recess. Therefore, the U.S. Department of Agriculture contacted the meat companies requesting compliance until the authorization is approved in November.

"Reauthorization of the mandatory price reporting system has been a top priority of ASI this year. Our industry relies heavily on the price data that is collected and reported through this program and we hope the efforts to continue providing the data is successful," stated Peter Orwick, Executive Director for the American Sheep Industry Association.

Orwick added, "Congress will reauthorize the program in November and we applaud the efforts of U.S. Lamb companies to continue reporting during this brief lag between authorizations."