South Dakota Sen. John Thune (R-SD) and South Dakota US Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) have sent a joint letter, along with several colleagues, urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to continue the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the nations four biggest meat packers.
“We were able to sit down with Sen. Thune last week and articulate how important this is to South Dakota’s beef producers,” said SD Stock Growers Association Executive Director James Halverson. “And, we’ve continued to work with Congressman Johnson on this issue as well. We think there is a real potential to rein in these out of control oligarchies during this session.”
Information from the SD Stock Growers says in 1902 “The Big Six” beef packers controlled about 50% of the nation’s beef packing capacity. The Roosevelt Administration then brought a successful lawsuit against the “beef trust” opening the door for other antitrust cases. The group says currently four meat packers control about 85% of the nation’s beef packing capacity.
“If anyone believes there is actual competition among the “big four” today,” continued Halverson. “They are being duped. Consumers and producers alike are not getting a fair price whether buying or selling. This investigation must continue and bring to light the backdoor collusion that is crippling our producers and swindling consumers. We have also called for Senate and House hearings on the issue”
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