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Missouri Attorney General Applauded for Stance on JBS Acquisitions Billings, Mont. (April 21, 2008) – R-CALF USA was pleased to learn that Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon has taken the lead among state attorneys general by announcing his opposition to the acquisitions of National Beef Packing Co., Smithfield Beef Group and Five Rivers Ranch Cattle Feeding, proposed by Brazilian-owned JBS. R-CALF USA President/Region VI Director Max Thornsberry, a Missouri veterinarian, and R-CALF USA Marketing Committee Co-Chair Dennis Thornsberry, also of Missouri, recently met with Nixon to discuss how approval of the transactions would be detrimental to the U.S. live cattle industry. “I appreciate Attorney General Nixon taking the time to meet with us, and we are very appreciative that he showed so much interest in this issue, and how it would not only affect Missouri cow/calf producers, but consumers as well,” said Dennis Thornsberry. “Missouri ranks second only to Texas in cows and calves, so that’s a pretty big deal that he chose to get involved,” he continued. “Someone had to light the lantern, and he did. R-CALF hopes that several attorneys general will officially join together and effectively challenge this proposal.” Nixon’s letter states, in part: “…Another troubling component of this deal is JBS’ proposed acquisition of Smithfield-owned Five Rivers Ranch Cattle Feeding, LLC, which would allow JBS to vertically integrate its operations. By owning both ranching and packing companies, JBS will be able to drive down the price it pays others for live cattle while charging more for its beef in the stores, thereby harming both producers and consumers throughout Missouri. We have observed this phenomenon in the pork industry, where consolidation has driven farm and retail prices in opposite directions. Allowing vertical integration in the beef industry almost certainly will produce the same unsettling results…” Note: To view Nixon’s letter in its entirety, visit the “Competition Issues” link at www.r-calfusa.com, or contact R-CALF USA Communications Coordinator Shae Dodson to request a copy. # # # R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. R-CALF USA represents thousands of U.S. cattle producers on trade and marketing issues. Members are located across 47 states and are primarily cow/calf operators, cattle backgrounders, and/or feedlot owners. R-CALF USA has dozens of affiliate organizations and various main-street businesses are associate members. For more information, visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516. |
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This page was last updated on Friday, June 06, 2008. |
