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Minnesota Attorney General Applauded for Stance on JBS Acquisitions Billings, Mont. (May 22, 2008) – Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson has formally requested that the U.S. Department of Justice carefully review the proposed acquisitions by JBS of National Beef Packing Co., Smithfield Beef Group and Five Rivers Ranch Cattle Feeding, and that the Justice Department “take appropriate steps concerning any anticompetitive effects.” Past R-CALF USA Region VII Director Jerry Swartz and several R-CALF USA members from Minnesota recently met with Swanson to express the detrimental effects the merger would have on independent U.S. cattle producers. “We appreciate Attorney General Lori Swanson and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Olsen taking the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns,” Swartz said. “Both were very supportive and want to keep the lines of communication open. “They listened quite intently on what we had to say and they have a very big concern as to what this merger might do to the cattle industry here in Minnesota,” he continued. “R-CALF hopes other attorneys general across the country will join with Minnesota and Missouri to officially and effectively challenge these mergers.” “…I am concerned that JBS’ proposed acquisition of National Beef and Smithfield Beef will decrease competition in the meat packing industry and thereby injure Minnesota beef producers, who are important participants in the Minnesota economy,” Swanson’s letter states, in part. “I am also concerned that…by acquiring Five Rivers, JBS will be able to vertically integrate its operations, causing further harm to both beef producers and ordinary consumers. By having a significant portion of its cattle committed out-of-market, JBS may be able to raise retail prices for the retail consumer. This would come at a time that food prices are at record levels and consumers are already hit in the pocketbook with rising costs of gasoline, health care, mortgages, and other expenses…” Note: To view Swanson’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. |
