Extend MRP Through 2015

"Reauthorize the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting (MPR) provision contained in the 2006 Livestock Mandatory Reauthorization Act for a period of five years." In a coalition effort led by the American Sheep Industry Association, representatives of livestock producers and packers sent this message to the leadership of the Agriculture Committees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Livestock producers and processors continue to need a transparent, accurate and timely market price reporting system to make informed business decisions. MPR makes markets more transparent and offers new market information with regard to pricing, contracting for purchase and supply and demand conditions for sheep, cattle and hogs.

Two new pork industry-specific provisions to report wholesale pork cuts and to report pork exports on a weekly basis are being requested.

"We have been working with the leadership of the other livestock, meat industry and general farm groups to finalize the language for price reporting legislation," commented Peter Orwick, ASI executive director. "There was a two-year lapse of reporting the last time the legislation expired and we are doing everything possible to assure that this does not happen again."

The livestock and meat industries are requesting that the new legislation be enacted before the current provision expires on Sept. 30.

Coalition members include American Farm Bureau Federation, American Meat Institute, American Sheep Industry Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Farmers Union, National Pork Producers Council, National Meat Association and the United States Cattleman's Association. To read the letter, go to Senate Support Request.