Standing Up for Tennessee Farmers: Addressing Monopolies in the Beef Industry
Riddleton, TN - November 9, 2025
Standing Up for Tennessee Farmers: Addressing Monopolies in the Beef Industry
On November 7th, President Donald J. Trump directed the Department of Justice to investigate monopolistic practices in the beef industry. This decisive action builds on earlier efforts to strengthen agriculture’s role in national security (July 8, 2025) and a targeted beef industry action plan (October 20, 2025). These steps answer the urgent call from farmers across Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District and the nation as we have addressed from the inception of our campaign; releases July 8,2025, August 11, 2025 & August 19, 2025.
The Tennessee Farm Bureau appropriately addressed a critical issue in its 2024 Resolutions, “Our current antitrust laws often do not work or are not being enforced; thus, we need an effective, adequately enforced antitrust policy”. A 2025 Farm Action report reveals that just four companies control 85% of beef, 67% of pork, and 60% of poultry markets. This concentration is particularly alarming, threatening open market opportunities and putting independent farmers at risk.
Today, only 20% of finished cattle are sold through open markets with 80% traded through non-disclosed Alternative Marketing Arrangements (AMA). Feeder and stocker cattle trade predominantly in open markets but are heavily influenced by corporate dominance at the finished beef chain. The “big four” companies controlling 85% of processing exert immense force, dictate terms that squeeze independent farmers and limit true competition.
An effective antitrust investigation is long overdue. We commend Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri for his inquiries in June 2025 and thank investigative organizations for their work in exposing the pressures facing our farmers. Interviews and data consistently show that independent farmers are being squeezed by monopolies controlling both their inputs and their markets.
Since 2017, 150,000 farms have closed, and the U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest since 1951. For the first time in history, the United States is a net food importer. Many of the largest corporations controlling agricultural inputs and products are foreign-owned or controlled.
We strongly support the Trump administration’s actions to address these national security concerns, especially the push for antitrust investigations. Previous administrations have allowed this crisis to worsen. We stand with Tennessee’s farmers and pledge to represent the 6th Congressional District, working with all who are committed to making America great again.
We invite farmers and citizens of Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District to share your thoughts and stories with us as we continue our mission to support you and your families. Contact us at jon@henryforcongress.com.