Sen. Cramer Asks DOJ to Continue Investigation into Beef Markets
The probe initially began in 2020 under the first Trump administration, but interest in the subject has picked up recently in the wake of the announcement that more cattle would be imported from Argentina.
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Many folks are aware that major corporations have a disproportionate amount of control over some resources and consumer products.
What they may not know is that beef is right up there in terms of quasi-monopolies.
“There are four packers in the country that produce about 85% of the finished product,” explained Senator Kevin Cramer.
Allegations of collusion and price-fixing have been floating around for years, but many feel they were really thrown into focus during the pandemic.
The Department of Justice began looking into the Big 4 back in March of 2020 – and, with meat prices under scrutiny right now amidst Trump’s plan to import more beef from Argentina, Cramer believes it’s the time to renew the push for answers.
Ranchers say they’re already forced to part with their prized cattle for less than they’re worth because they can only sell to one of those big corporations, while shoppers continue to feel squeezed by high prices at the grocery store.
Cramer is hoping this increased pressure on the DOJ brings a quicker resolution to the issue.
