Over the past three years, the quantity of beef produced from domestic cattle decreased year-over-year while domestic beef consumption increased year-over-year.
Tyson is closing its Joslin, IL beef plant, and it is not alone. Between Tyson, JBS, and Cargill, the US beef industry has shed close to 20 percent of its daily slaughter capacity, raising concerns about market access for cattle farmers.
A national antitrust lawsuit against the four biggest beef packers just hit a major milestone, and cattle producers across the country are paying close attention.
Retail beef prices have steadily climbed, with margins reaching $20.35 per head this year, highlighting the growing gap between wholesale costs and what consumers pay at the grocery store.
RCALF USA leaders recently visited Washington D.C. to advocate for American cattle and sheep producers, pushing for labeling changes and regulation reforms to protect local livestock markets.