“We do not know if there is more blame on one packer than another,” said Bullard. “Our evidence and analysis strongly indicates that all four of them are engaged in coordinated activities that caused the artificial reduction in cattle prices.”
Carrie Stadheim
R-CALF files suit against ‘big 4’ packers
R-CALF USA announced a lawsuit against the “big four” packers who, they allege, violated U.S. antitrust laws, the Packers and Stockyards Act, and the Commodity Exchange Act by unlawfully depressing the prices paid to American ranchers.
On April 23, 2019, the cattlemen’s group based out of Billings, said Tyson Foods, Inc., JBS S.A., Cargill, Inc., and National Beef Packing Company, LLC, and certain of their affiliates from at least January 1, 2015 through the present, conspired to depress the price of fed cattle they purchased from American ranchers, thereby inflating their own margins and profits.
Weinreis Brothers Partnership, Minatare Feedlot, Inc., Charles Weinreis, Eric Nelson, James Jensen d/b/a Lucky 7 Angus, and Richard Chambers as trustee of the Richard C. Chambers Living Trust are plaintiffs in the lawsuit, along with R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America). The plaintiffs feed cattle in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Wyoming.
The suit will likely last for years, predicted R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard, and is intended to uncover some truths and data not yet known.
“We do not know if there is more blame on one packer than another,” said Bullard. “Our evidence and analysis strongly indicates that all four of them are engaged in coordinated activities that caused the artificial reduction in cattle prices.”
“For many years, Cargill has served as a trusted partner to American cattle ranchers, committed to supporting their family farms and livelihoods. We believe the claims lack merit, and we are confident in our efforts to maintain market integrity and conduct ethical business,” said Cargill spokesman Daniel Sullivan.
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I believe this has been going on since the 70’s when small ranchers and farmers were taken over by large corporations. FHA money was taken away, and Chemical agents and growth hormones were added to everything we eat. We import and export toxic cancer causing foods and products.
I’ll may you two cents for that there steer, then five million in service distribution kickbacks and invite you on a trip to Italy at a private villa with the use of a luxury car and driver, oh and a gift of nine cases of Moet at Christmas. Note: Sale volume restrictions may apply if your nails have ever had dirt under them.