"Tim Johnson's packer ownership and country-of-origin meat labeling provisions are at or near the top of the list of what virtually every farmer and rancher in South Dakota wants to see in a new farm bill, and as a participant in the conference, I am fighting hard to make sure they are included in the final bill," Daschle said. "These provisions were not in the House-passed bill, and there doesn't seem to be a recognition of how important these measures are in places like South Dakota."

"The issues are clear – farmers and ranchers across America deserve a chance for fair competition, and the American consumer deserves to know where his or her meat is coming from," Daschle said. "Thanks to Tim Johnson, these provisions were a part of the Senate farm bill. They are strongly supported in South Dakota and across the country, and I sincerely hope they are in the final bill."

Daschle also addressed the need for expediency in getting a new farm bill passed.

"Farmers and ranchers have been waiting too long for a new farm bill. We need to include these provisions and work to get a good bill passed as soon as possible," Daschle added.

House and Senate conferees are currently meeting to work out the differences in the versions of the farm bill passed by the House and the Senate, respectively. Senator Daschle is a conferee.