Feds doing 1st investigation of major meatpackers

By NATE JENKINS Associated Press Writer

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - An official representing beef producers says a first-ever investigation into whether large meatpackers are illegally or unfairly driving down cattle prices is under way.

Bill Bullard is the chief executive officer of R-CALF USA. He says the federal Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration investigation appears aimed at the overall behavior of meatpackers in the cattle market.

The investigation is happening as the federal government holds a series of antitrust hearings on competition in agriculture.

The administrator of GIPSA, J. Dudley Butler, won't confirm an investigation of the major meatpackers, but he says the agency is being more aggressive in enforcing the Packers and Stockyards Act to ensure fair competition and investigations are part of that.

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On the Net:

GIPSA: http://www.gipsa.usda.gov/GIPSA/

R-CALF USA: http://r-calfusa.com/

American Meat Institute: http://www.meatami.com/