From an agriculture perspective, NCBA Director of Legislative Affairs Colin Woodall said Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson likely will become chairman of the U.S. House Ag Committee. Woodall said Peterson has been an ally to NCBA on issues in the past, helping to defeat attacks by animal activist groups. Congressman Peterson has said, however, that upon taking over the chairmanship, he will make implementing mandatory country-of-origin labeling a priority. Woodall also expects upcoming Farm Bill discussions in Peterson’s committee to take a heavier slant toward ideas such as bans on packer ownership and forward contracting.