For Immediate Release: August 29, 2019
Contact: R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard
Phone: 406-252-2516; r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com
Billings, Mont. – Today, R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard issued the following statement regarding Wednesday’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it would investigate beef pricing margins in the aftermath of the August 9 fire that shut down the Tyson beef packing plant in Holcomb, Kansas.
“Like others in the industry, R-CALF USA has been very concerned by the packers’ market activity following the fire at Tyson’s Holcomb, Kan. plant, and the impact that activity has had on cattle producers across the country. It therefore welcomes the USDA’s announcement that it is investigating the packers’ conduct in the aftermath of the fire. While the industry awaits the outcome of that investigation, R-CALF USA will continue to fight alongside producers to ensure a competitive American cattle market.
“In April, R-CALF USA and four cattle-feeding ranchers from Iowa, Neb., Kan., and Wyo. filed a historic lawsuit alleging the four largest beef packers, Tyson, JBS, Cargill and National Beef/Marfrig violated U.S. antitrust laws, the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, and the Commodity Exchange Act to unlawfully depress prices paid to American cattle producers since January 2015.
“That case is pending before the federal district court in Minnesota.”
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R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) is the largest producer-only cattle trade association in the United States. It is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516.
