STURGIS, S.D.(KBHB) – Debate over Senate Bill 3229, also known as the Fischer-Grasslie Bill, continues and South Dakota Senator John Thune provided some insight Wednesday.

Thune says the bill is being discussed.

Among the groups supporting the bill are the South Dakota Stockgrowers, but RCALF-USA opposes it.

Bill Bullard with RCALF-USA says it is a boon to packers, allowing them to continually purchase cattle for less than their competitive value.

James Halvorsen with the Stockgrowers says “our board has taken a look at S.3229 and has decided there is enough in this bill that warrants our support.”

Thune says he is listening to the concerns and does notice some problems.

Thune says it’s time to start moving ahead with a proposal and says something needs to be done to rein in the market power the packers currently have.