Federal Government Hoarding Meat Stocks In Response To Drought - Food Shortages For The Rest Of Us?

At least two-thirds of the U.S. is currently suffering through varying degrees of drought, with the U.S. Drought Monitor reporting as of August 14 that 63 percent of hay, 72 percent of cattle, 85 percent of soybean crops, and 87 percent of corn crops are not getting the water they need to survive. And in response, the federal government has announced that it plans to buy up $170 million worth of pork, lamb, chicken, and catfish to help out these farmers — but what does this mean for the rest of us?

Insufficient rains have already damaged a significant portion of the nation’s feed crops, much of which are used to raise conventional cattle for meat production. As a result, feed prices have steadily increased while stocks have dwindled, putting many farmers in a difficult situation economically. So to help them along, the White House has pledged to stock up on extra meat and poultry, which it says it will distribute through federal food “nutrition” programs.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the agency will snatch up an additional $100 million worth of pork products, $50 million worth of chicken products, $10 millions worth of lamb products, and $10 million worth of catfish products. And whatever cannot be distributed through these federal programs will be stocked and frozen for future use, according to the White House.

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