A Waiting Game: R-Calf is waiting on their lawsuit against four main meat packers

The courts are still considering R-Calf’s lawsuit against the four major meat packers, which claims they conspired to depress prices.

R-Calf CEO Bill Bullard tells agoinfo.net they are waiting on the courts to approve a multi-million-dollar class action suit against JBS. As part of the agreement, Bullard says JBS would then help in the cases against the other three packers.

Bullard says right now they just have to wait.

“So the way this works is that the court will determine whether the proposed class action settlement is appropriate and equitable,” Bullard said. “And if such a determination is made, then the court would order that notice be sent to all the potential members of the class who could file a claim against the settlement.”

Any producer who sold to the Big Four packers (Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill Meat Solutions, and National Beef Packing Co.) between June 2015 and February 2020 can participate in the class action lawsuit.

Related Stories
The FAO Food Price Index for November fell by more than 1 percent in November, marking the third straight month of declines.
“The Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) Final Rule streamlines requirements across multiple crops, responds to producer feedback, and strengthens USDA’s commitment to putting America’s farmers first,” said the USDA.
Rep. Michelle Fischbach shares her appreciation for rural communities and outlines how the Working Families Tax Cut is aimed to support farm families on RFD-TV’s Champions of Rural America.
While the 2018 Farm Bill received an extension under the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act, the National Pork Producers Council wants lawmakers to do more to support the sector.
Buying a real Christmas tree directly supports U.S. farmers facing rising import competition, long production cycles, and weather-driven risks.
Milk output is rising, but steep drops in Class I–IV prices are tightening margins heading into 2026.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The bill to once again allow schools to offer whole milk and 2% milk will now go to President Trump for approval.
Plans are underway for the 27th annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, a June event celebrating farm heritage, tractor history, and rural traditions. Event manager Matt Kenney joins us to highlight the importance of commemorating farm heritage.
Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us to share more about the North Dakota court decision and the its larger impact on agriculture.
Fertilizer markets face uncertainty after President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on Canadian imports, with analysts warning of supply and pricing risks. Josh Linville with StoneX provides a fertilizer industry outlook.
Frigid winter weather and rapid temperature swings have cattle markets watching closely for livestock stress, as analysts say fluctuations pose the greatest risk.