In 2006, GIPSA launched a pilot program to capture inspection data for grain which producers bring to the market. The initial study captured grain sorghum samples at the first-point-of-sale (delivered to the elevator from the farm gate), which were analyzed for grading quality. In 2007, the study was expanded to assess soybean quality and to capture a second year of sorghum quality.

This paper examines Mexico's feedgrain production, consumption, trade, and use as they relate to trade with the United States, as well as the impact the full implementation of NAFTA has had on these variables. NAFTA's impact on GIPSA inspections of corn to Mexico is also examined.

In fiscal year 2003, GIPSA received $4.5 million in appropriations for a broad study of marketing practices in the entire livestock and red meat industries from farmers to retailers, food service firms, and exporters. The study will address the many questions and concerns that have been raised about changes in the structure and business practices in the livestock and meat industries, including captive supply issues. The overall objective is to develop foundation information needed to understand what economic changes are occurring, why they are occurring, what changes are likely to occur in the future, and their implications for market participants and the structure of the livestock and meat industries.

Congress included $50,000 in the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Packers and Stockyards Administration (now Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)) 1992 fiscal year appropriation to conduct a study of concentration in the red meat packing industry. Both the Senate and House Committee reports expressed concerns about concentration in the meatpacking industry. Prior to beginning the study, GIPSA solicited public input and received comments from 51 individuals and organizations on the scope and approach of the study. Seven projects were selected to address areas identified in the House Committee report accompanying the FY 1992 appropriation, 6 of which were conducted by researchers at various universities, and one of which was conducted by USDA.

The Grain Standards and Warehouse Improvement Act of 2000 requires that each year the Secretary of Agriculture submit to Congress and make publicly available a report that assesses the general economic state of the livestock industry, describes changing business practices, and identifies activities that appear to raise concern under the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Last updated 04/09/2008