Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky lawmaker and grass-fed cattle farmer, is pushing to simplify beef processing rules for local farmers.
Massie has reintroduced the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, a bipartisan bill he introduced with Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine.
This legislation could significantly ease burdens for farmers by allowing them to sell beef cuts from local processors without federal inspection.
Currently, federal law only allows farmers to process beef locally for personal use. If they want to sell it, it must be processed at USDA-inspected facilities—a process that can involve long waits and extensive travel for rural farmers.
Massie, who raises cattle in Lewis County, explained the challenge, saying, “Some farmers may have to drive hours or wait months to access a USDA facility. The only exemption available is if you sell the cattle alive and then take it to a processor.”
The PRIME Act would let states decide whether to allow non-federally inspected beef to be sold, offering farmers a more convenient, cost-effective way to bring their products to market.
For Massie, this bill could make a world of difference. “It would be a huge boon for Kentucky farmers because you wouldn’t have to sell your calves,” he added. “You could raise them on grass right here in Kentucky, just like I do.”
Introduced previously in 2023, the PRIME Act has already faced pushback. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued a statement against it, citing concerns over food safety.
“While the PRIME Act is well-intentioned, allowing uninspected beef to enter the retail market is dangerous to consumers,” said former NCBA President Todd Wilkinson.
As the debate continues, the bill’s success could reshape beef processing in Kentucky, offering local farmers a new path to market while addressing ongoing concerns about food safety.
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