JULY 27, 2011
“How do visitors spend their money in Scottsdale?” to be discussed at next ‘Merchant Talk’ meeting
To support downtown merchants, Scottsdale’s economic vitality department is continuing its series of ‘Merchant Talk’ forums to enhance dialogue and grow the health of the local economy.
The next meeting will be from 8 - 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3 in the economic vitality office at 4021 N. 75th Street (Suite 102) – a short walk from City Hall, the Civic Center mall and downtown Scottsdale.
One of the meeting topics includes answers to the question “How do visitors spend their money in Scottsdale?” The city’s marketing efforts and upcoming learning opportunities will also be discussed.
For more information, contact the economic vitality office at 480-312-7989.
BY CHUCK HASSEBROOK | JULY 27, 2011
Livestock Market Reform Fair, Balanced? You decide
When two sides tell very different stories about a proposal, it’s best to read it for yourself.
A proposed USDA regulation would prevent discrimination against small producers by meatpackers. It says if a packer offers a premium to one producer, it should offer the same to others who can meet the standard on which the premium is based.
Critics have attacked the proposal claiming it blocks premiums for quality livestock. I say, not true, it provides a level playing field by allowing all producers the same opportunity to earn quality premiums. But you decide. Here’s USDA’s proposal (also at http://www.cfra.org/competition):
"The Secretary may consider the following criteria, among others, in determining if an undue or unreasonable preference or advantage, or an undue or unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage, has occurred in violation of the (1921 Packers and Stockyards) Act:
(a) Whether contract terms based on number, volume or other condition, or contracts with price determined in whole or in part by the volume of livestock sold are made available to all poultry growers, livestock producers or swine production contract growers who individually or collectively meet the conditions set by the contract.
(b) Whether price premiums based on standards for product quality, time of delivery and production methods are offered in a manner that does not discriminate against a producer or group of producers that can meet the same standards.
Does it block quality premiums or level the playing field? Agree or disagree? Send me a comment at [email protected].