The Packers and Stockyards Program (P&SP) conducts research and develops information on industry structure, conduct, and performance. Much of this information is developed within P&SP. However, P&SP also contracts with recognized experts outside the Agency. All research is peer-reviewed with experts in other USDA agencies and universities.

P&SP collects industry data under its statutory authority for enforcing the Packers and Stockyards Act. Much of this data is analyzed and summarized for distribution. P&SP's industry research and information is developed for use within P&SP, by external stakeholders, and in response to Congressional mandates. This industry research and information provides a needed and valuable independent perspective on the livestock, meat and poultry industries.

A broad study of marketing practices in the entire livestock and red meat industries from farmers to retailers, food service firms, and exporters.

A study explaining how GIPSA's definition of captive supply differs from other data sources' definitions, and how those different definitions result in different captive supply statistics; and showing that GIPSA's captive supply statistics are the most comprehensive national statistics on captive supply in the cattle industry.

An annual report on livestock marketing, meat packing, industry concentration, plant size, volume of packer feeding, packer financial performance, number of animals purchased by source of supply, and procurement method.

An annual report on the general economic state of the livestock industry, including changing business practices and activities that appear to raise concern under the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Last updated 04/08/2008