Tester "Mooooves" Livestock Auctions into the 21st Century

Tester Introduces BARN CARD Act to Allow Ranchers to Buy Livestock with Credit and Debit Cards

(U.S. Senate) -Senator Jon Tester introduced bipartisan legislation to beef up support for Montana ranchers and steer antiquated livestock auction laws into the modern era.

After branding the current law as outdated, Tester’s BARN CARD (Bringing Auctions & Ranchers New Credit And Reliable Debit) Technology Act updates the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, which governs how producers buy and sell livestock, to reflect the use of modern technology.

“Plain and simple, the old laws on the books are all hat and no cattle. Every year when I buy my steer and hog to feed my family, I think about the folks who are buying and selling 1,000 head. These hardworking producers deserve a sensible process that keeps up with their changing industry,” said Tester. “This is a common-sense bill that will strengthen Montana’s livestock industry and ensure it continues trucking into the future.”

Tester’s BARN CARD Act will explicitly allow folks to purchase livestock using debit and credit cards. Current law only refers to two forms of payment: checks and wire transfers.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that folks that use online and video livestock auctions are granted the same legal protections as folks that use physical auction locations.

Tester is an avid supporter of Montana’s livestock industry, recently he called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase transparency and address safety concerns with the importation of Brazilian beef.

These changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act are supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sheep Industry Association, Livestock Marketing Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Farmers Union, National Livestock Producers Association, and United States Cattlemen’s Association.

Tester’s BARN CARD Act is available HERE.