For Immediate Release:  January 23, 2003
For More Information Contact:   Jacallyn Gunzenhauser (800) 775-5227
                                        Gary Hoskey (641) 492-6379

Iowa Farmers Union Disappointed By Iowa’s Packer Ban Ruling


Ames, IA  Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) and its family farmer members are deeply 
disappointed by the court decision to overturn Iowa’s ban on packer 
ownership.  IFU is encouraging the Iowa Attorney General in his appeal this 
ruling.

“Allowing packers to own hog operations in Iowa poses a clear threat to the 
economic, social, and environmental well being of all Iowans,” said Gary 
Hoskey, IFU President.  “If this ruling is allowed to stand, we are likely to 
see Smithfield acquire more hog operations in Iowa, quite likely the larger 
ones.”

In Thursday’s Des Moines Register, Smithfield’s Executive Vice President and 
general counsel, Richard Poulson, was quoted “We believe our system” of 
raising hogs on contract with farmers “will be the best for Iowa and will do 
more to preserve the family farm in Iowa.”

“How long will it be before Smithfield tells us what’s best for our 
environment and the economy of Iowa?” responded Hoskey.

“The framers of the U.S. constitution could not have envisioned that someday 
a multi-national corporation like Smithfield would try to take over food 
production and dictate to states about what is best for them,” added Hoskey.  
“This underscores the urgency of all Iowan’s supporting our Attorney General’
s efforts on appealing this decision.  We also need to continue to urge the 
U.S Congress to pass federal legislation banning packer ownership and feeding 
of livestock.”

Iowa Farmers Union is a non-profit advocacy group representing family farmers 
across the state.  Iowa Farmers Union is affiliated with National Farmers 
Union representing more than 300,000 farmers and ranchers across the country. 



Iowa Farmers Union
PO Box 8988
528 Billy Sunday Rd
Ames, IA  50014
800-775-5227
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www.iafu.org