Johnson: USDA Investigation is “For Real”

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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today spoke on the U.S. House of Representatives Floor regarding an ongoing investigation into the cattle market.

Johnson's Remarks Below:

"Mr. Speaker, this is a town where some investigations last for years and sometimes cost millions.

"Other investigations are for insignificant little things, conducted to check a box before moving onto the next task.

"We all know in D.C. there are two types of investigations. Investigations that are for show and investigations that are "for real."

"In cattle country we need an investigation "for real."

"Times have been tough for cattle producers, especially the last couple of years.

"The producers I know don't ask for guarantees or handouts, all they want is a fair chance to earn a living.

"Unfortunately, prices have been soft, and those producers are not sure the market is accurately applying margin to our feeders and to our ranchers.

"Following the Holcomb fire, the market experienced extreme volatility. The producers I know, smart and savvy professionals, have told me the immediate aftermath caused serious damage to the long-term viability of their business and to their way of life.

"That's why I was grateful to see USDA, under the Packers and Stockyards Act, open up an investigation into the cattle market. An investigation like that does not happen every day.

"Many folks in South Dakota are anxiously awaiting the results. I know that I am.

"What I have seen and heard so far from USDA gives me a good feeling that they are conducting this investigation for real.

"I believe they are doing their best to gather and analyze the pertinent data.

"They want to get to the bottom of this. They want to determine if there have been unfair trade practices or market manipulation.

"Making that kind of a determination won't be easy. It will require real effort, real persistence, and a real willingness to dig deep.

"As I said at the beginning, there are two types of investigations in this town, those that are "for show" and those that are "for real."

"It looks like USDA is conducting this investigation "for real," and thank goodness for that.

"Our cow-calf producers deserve it, our feedlots deserve it, and our country deserves it.

"Thank you and I yield back."