020235 Smithfield Concerned Over Hog Ownership BanFebruary 14, 2002Smithfield Foods Inc. suffered a setback in a battle to preserve its hog-farming business. By 53-46, the Senate refused to kill a proposal that would prevent meatpackers from raising their own cattle or hogs. That restriction -- part of a bill extending federal farm programs -- would force Smithfield Foods to sell its corporate farms across the South and Midwest, company officials have said. Sponsors of the measure say the restriction is needed to protect small farmers and ensure fair competition in the sale of livestock.
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