In 1947, the National Livestock Auction Association began as a grass roots organization dedicated to providing auction marketers with access to the latest industry information and a voice in federal and state government.

   In October of 1978, punctuating 30 years of action in legislation, LMA successfully challenged the authority of the Packers and Stockyards Act to regulate tariffs and fees charged by independent auction markets. LMA's landmark legal victory freed auction markets to determine and post their own charges for service, independent of government intervention.

   After one half century, LMA members boast a proud heritage of innovation in the markets and successful adaptation to industry changes outside the marketing arena.

   Through years of change, one constant has remained. LMA has worked side by side with members, providing a continuum of valuable services and key information on vital issues like revenue protection, key legislation and industry advancement.

   The next 50 years promise an even faster pace for dramatic changes in livestock marketing. LMA remains committed to upholding a strong tradition of industry leadership by promoting the best interests of livestock marketers through each emerging challenge and each new opportunity for success.

   For the first 50 years of service, and the next, Livestock Marketing Association proudly salutes its members - the independent men and women who maintain the value based marketing system and preserve the integrity of the competitive price establishing process.