D. Regulators and regulations

This chapter presents the reader with a background on animal feeding operations and how they are regulated. First we will discuss the federal and state regulations of both the cattle calf operations and animal feeding operations (AFOs), specifically confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Then, we highlight how the USDA regulates the slaughtering, processing and distribution of meat. In both sections we briefly highlight the costs and benefits of these regulations, which allows us to assess how effective these regulations really are.

The first half of the chapter highlights the major regulatory procedures and laws implemented by main federal organizations on the slaughtering, processing and distribution of meat. First, it presents a historical background on the development of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration, and the EPA which are all federal agencies involved in the regulation of meat. Furthermore, the chapter details the Meat Inspection Act which is the main legislation regarding regulatory mandates and inspections for meat establishments. Finally, we discuss how we can measure effectiveness and costs of regulations in order to make an assessment of these regulations.

The second part of the chapter focuses on the regulations of both cattle calf operations and (confined) animal feeding operations. Federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have the largest impact on the regulations of these sectors of livestock production. State regulations work in synergy with federal regulations to minimize the negative effect these operations have on the environment. First, we will present an extensive literature review of the early regulations of the cattle calf operations and of the CAFOs. Then we will discuss the current regulations regarding both fields of the livestock industry. Finally, we will discuss the implementation and effectiveness of these regulations.