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119-s-782119th CongressWALLET

Expanding Local Meat Processing Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]

Introduced

Summary

Allows certain small packers to hold ownership, finance, or help run market agencies that sell livestock on commission. The bill would also require market agencies to disclose the packer's name and the nature of the relationship on the account of sale and preserves the Secretary of Agriculture's authority under the Packers and Stockyards Act.

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  • Producers and sellers: Would be able to consign livestock to market agencies that have ownership or financing ties to eligible packers, with those ties disclosed on the account of sale.
  • Small packers: Would be exempted from the prohibition in 9 C.F.R. 201.67 if they stay below size thresholds: under 2,000 head per day or 700,000 per year for cattle and sheep, and under 10,000 per day or 3,000,000 per year for hogs.
  • Market agencies: Would have to list the packer's name and describe the nature of any ownership, financing, or management relationship on the account of sale.
  • USDA oversight: Would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to revise section 201.67 within one year after enactment to implement the exemption while retaining authority to protect producers and market integrity.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More ownership options for small packers

If enacted, the bill would require the Agriculture Secretary to revise 9 C.F.R. §201.67 within one year. The revision would exempt certain small packers from that section's prohibition. The exemption would cover cattle or sheep packers under 2,000 animals per day or under 700,000 per year. It would cover hog packers under 10,000 animals per day or under 3,000,000 per year. This could let small packers and livestock sellers use more local processing options.

Market agencies must disclose packer ties

If enacted, market agencies that own, finance, or help run a packer they sell consigned livestock to would have to list the packer's name and the nature of the tie on the account of sale. The disclosure requirement would take effect on enactment. The bill would also say that nothing here limits the Agriculture Secretary's authority to adopt or enforce rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act. These changes aim to increase transparency for livestock sellers while preserving USDA enforcement power.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]

NM • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]

    IA • R

    Sponsored 2/27/2025

  • Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]

    KS • R

    Sponsored 3/17/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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