WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The Department of Justice and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins held a press conference this morning outlining new developments in the ongoing investigation into beef industry concentration and pricing.
Officials say the probe, launched after a directive from President Donald Trump, has focused on potential antitrust concerns in U.S. cattle and beef markets.
“As you all know, last November, the President tasked the Department to investigate the cost and prices of beef,” Rollin said. “As a result, we prioritized investigating potential antitrust investigations in U.S. cattle and beef markets. In the beef industry, the ‘Big 4' processors control over 85% of the beef processing market. Two of the Big Four are primarily foreign-owned. Multiple plant closures across the country. The current market structure and high concentration in the industry indicate anti-competitive activity.”
Officials said the investigation has included more than 3 million documents reviewed and hundreds of interviews across the industry.
“Later this week, we will be announcing a historic settlement that will directly affect the prices of proteins like chicken, pork, and turkey,” Rollins continued.
Secretary Rollins noted the level of consolidation in the industry, saying the largest processors controlled roughly 25% of the market in 1977, compared to about 85% today, raising concerns about competition and food security.
She also emphasized that the increased concentration, including involvement from foreign-owned entities, poses risks to the stability of the nation’s food system.
The Department of Justice says a formal announcement is expected later this week as the investigation continues.
