R-Calf asks for JBS-Pilgrim merger block
R-Calf USA is urging the US justice department to block the merger of beef and pork processor JBS USA with chicken producer Pilgrim's Pride Corp. "to protect and preserve a competitive market" for independent cattle producers.
In a letter to the antitrust division, R-Calf stated that the department had stopped JBS
R-Calf explained that demand and prices for cattle are influenced by supplies and prices for competing protein such as pork and poultry, and that cattle prices "are particularly susceptible" to increased poultry production and poultry prices. By acquiring Pilgrim's Pride, which is the largest chicken producer in the
This would "directly harm US cattle producers," the company said.
