January 14, 2025 – During the administration’s 11th hour, President Biden’s USDA wrapped up its historic push to finalize Packers & Stockyards Act regulations that have been a century in the making. After finishing two earlier rules that improve transparency in grower contracts and bar retaliation against growers, Secretary Tom Vilsack finalized a third rule that will significantly change the poultry industry’s notorious “tournament system.” For example, companies will no longer be able to reduce base pay based on competitive metrics and will have to provide upfront details on costly barn and equipment upgrades that may be required. “It is USDA’s job to advocate for farmers, and these regulatory improvements give us the strongest tools we’ve ever had,” Vilsack said after the rule’s release.