American Livestock Markets and Dealers Association

Today, ALMDA formally requested that USDA-APHIS delay the enforcement and/or implementation of the ADT Rule. This decision was unanimously supported by ALMDA's Board of Directors. The letter to USDA-APHIS is linked here: https://lnkd.in/gFneH-6Y ALMDA continues to hear from livestock markets, dealers, veterinarians, tag manufacturers, state animal health officials, and other trade associations about issues with the ADT Rule. The reality is that the industry is not ready to implement this rule. ALMDA has previously provided USDA-APHIS with significant, real-world data from livestock markets and dealers which outlined our concerns. Today’s letter followed up on that information, noting that USDA has not responded to our concerns. Therefore, we asked USDA to delay the implementation and/or enforcement of the ADT Rule for at least 180 days. ALMDA’s first responsibility is to serve and defend our member livestock markets and dealers. The ADT Rule is problematic in many ways and we believes today's action is necessary to protect livestock markets.

With 40 days until the new ADT rule goes into effect, ALMDA is providing resources and conducting webinars with livestock markets and dealers on how this rule will impact sales days. We'll be honest in saying that there will be impacts on markets and dealers. We have members who will be unable to comply with the rule and we have members who will be fully compliant and add new EID services in their business. Our job is not to dictate to members how to make this rule work because each market has different challenges. Our role is to give markets and dealers the facts and let them decide what is best for your business. We have conducted a significant amount of research and data collection to substantiate the challenges markets and dealers face with this rule. We are working USDA to address those specific issues with workable solutions. We have decided to open up our member-only resources to the entire livestock industry in hopes that every market or dealer can benefit from understanding our the perspective and challenges for livestock markets and dealers. Our website has an extensive Frequently Asked Questions, owner shipper templates, and links to a variety of helpful sites, along with the graphics shown on this post. We'll share more information in the coming days. All resources are available here: https://lnkd.in/gFneH-6Y

The last month has seen livestock markets and dealers face more issues than goats coming off this trailer: market swings, defeating bad regulations, summer heat, animal traceability, new legislation, state issues, and more. ALMDA has been right there for our members the entire time, focusing on solving their problems and defending their ability to operate. That's our job and we're honored to do it!

Today OSHA released proposed new rules for "Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings" which will apply to nearly every livestock market, dealer, and order buyer in the U.S. Looking at today's heat index map below, if your operation is in an area that is 80 degrees or higher, this proposed rule would apply to you! The single biggest challenge for livestock marketers is labor. Marketers value their employees and already go to significant lengths to help their family and employees deal with the heat and cold that comes from working outdoors. Creating additional bureaucracy and regulations seems like classic government overreach. ALMDA will continue working to defend markets against burdensome regulations and find common-sense solutions to these challenges.

ALMDA Members have been provided with an update on the Final DOJ rule regarding overtime protections for exempt employees. This will impact many livestock marketing businesses who have exempt employees who work overtime. It's not always fun handling the office side of a livestock marketing business, but it's one thing ALMDA does to help members run their businesses in full compliance with state and federal laws.

For livestock markets, there are not many feelings better than an empty set of alleys after a big sale. The hard work is mostly done, sellers have been paid, buyers are loading out, day help has gone home, and the market owner can (kind of) catch their breath!

ALMDA represented its member markets, dealers, and other livestock marketers a national Secure Beef Supply Plan training program this week. We hope that these plans are never used but taking the time to make contingency plans is smart business!

The 2024 Farm Bill from House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson includes many provisions that are positive to livestock owners and marketers. ALMDA is pleased with these changes and looks forward to the markup of the Farm, Food, and Natural Security Act of 2024!

How amazing would it be if you could collect all the years of livestock industry wisdom and experience that have walked these catwalks and alleys? Meeting with our members in their pens or offices and trying to absorb this wisdom and work on their behalf is one of the best parts of working for this industry. Every day ALMDA defends and fights for Livestock Markets and Dealers - it's a job we are proud to do.

Yes, backtags can be messy and take time. But, they are simple, reliable, and work. And, for many livestock markets, backtags have proven to be a reliable means of identification and traceability for decades. Sometimes, the best solutions are not related to new technology. Rather, the best solutions are sometimes grounded in simplicity!