About the National Livestock Producers Association

Following passage of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, the National Livestock Producers Association (NLPA) was founded in direct response to diminishing markets and excessive supplies of livestock. The realization that producers needed to work together to battle marketing problems led to the development of livestock cooperatives nationwide.

When the Federal Farm Board was established in the early 1930s the National Livestock Producers Association took on a new role as a capitalization vehicle for several livestock credit corporations across the country. The credit corporations were formed to make needed credit available to the producers through organizations that would specialize in working with livestock lending. Many of those original credit corporations are still in existence today.

Helping Regional Cooperatives

National Livestock Producers Association services are designed to help member marketing agencies and credit corporations become more effective and efficient for their producer-patrons. Through member interaction, many innovative services and programs are formed and alliances cemented which are designed to provide the livestock producer many opportunities to improve the producer's bottom line.

In addition, joint ventures and cooperation among the members lead to national exposure of producers' livestock through electronic marketing systems and networks of buyers and sellers.

Speaking Out on Behalf of Livestock Producers

In the multi-billion dollar business of livestock marketing and credit, a strong voice is crucial to protect business rights and a competitive environment. National Livestock Producers Association serves as just such a voice, speaking out on behalf of members and their patrons.

Strong alliances with other livestock and credit organizations aid in providing a clear voice on regional and national issues. In addition, absolute credibility earned over more than 75 years emphasizes the positions taken by the National Livestock Producers Association on behalf of its members.

NLPA Member Benefits

National Livestock Producers Association serves its members in several areas:

• As a Catalyst in creating interaction among the members to further exchange ideas and information.
• As a Representative on behalf of the members to other industry organizations, federal agencies and Congress.
• As a Resource for insurance and employee benefits programs for the members.
• As an Asset to provide assistance in employee training through annual conferences and specialized training as needed.
• As an Source of expertise to assist members in business planning and operations.
• As a Means for members to obtain price risk management services, through National Producers Service Company
• As a Resource for financial assistance and capitalization, through National Feeder and Finance Corporation.

A Diversity of Service and Expertise

Innovation, specialization and sophistication are but a few of the descriptions used when referring to the members of the National Livestock Producers Association. In order to fully serve their patrons and customers, the members have worked together to create new financing, marketing and feeding programs to meet the challenges facing the livestock producer. Some of the services include:

• Expert auction marketing
• Internet livestock marketing
• Country sales and order buying
• Forward contracting
• Livestock feeding and grazing programs
• Commodity trading and hedging
• Certified calf programs
• Credit and loan assistance
• Animal health and breeding supplies
• Genetic advising and carcass feedback

National Livestock Producers Association's Industry Affiliations

• American Farm Bureau Federation
• American Sheep Industry Association
• American Sheep & Goat Center
• Livestock Marketing Association
• National Cattlemen's Beef Association
• National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
• National Institute for Animal Agriculture
• United States Animal Health Association