Letter to Barack Obama, President of The United States - Cattle Market Price Drop

Letter

Dear Mr. Dodaro:

Earlier this year, R-CALF USA informed the Senate Judiciary Committee of a sudden 15.1 percent drop in fed cattle prices during the latter half of 2015. Senate Judiciary Committee staff subsequently spoke to various industry participants in the cattle market about possible explanations for the sudden price drop. However, given the unique and prominent role of the fed cattle market in U.S. agriculture and the economy generally, a robust analysis of the market forces associated with this price drop is warranted.

Since the drop in fed cattle prices presents significant implications for consumers, producers, and businesses, we request the U.S. Government Accountability Office conduct an assessment of the cause of the 2015 price drop, including a review of the structure of the market and of any possible anticompetitive conduct.

Thank you for your timely attention to this request. To assist you in your inquiries, we have included with this letter the correspondence we received from R-CALF USA. We look forward to working with you and learning more about any ongoing impediments or challenges facing the fed cattle industry.

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