WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson, along with Virginia Representative Abigail Spanberger, have introduced the Butcher Block Act legislation. The measure aims to rebalance the cattle market by easing regulatory barriers and offering USDA meat processing grants for small processors looking to expand or add shackle space. Johnson says this will add competition in the meat processing industry that is presently controlled by four large packers who have 80 percent of the market.

He says this legislation will help in adding processing capacity.

Johnson says the Butcher Block Act will also assist those processors who want to get into the business and have been facing barriers.

Besides helping new and expanding meat processors, the legislation also will allocate grants to entities to increase hiring and processing capacity.