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Grassley and colleagues want update on DOJ investigation into “Big 4” beef processors

Iowa U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says he and several colleagues want an update from the Department of Justice on its investigation into the nation’s “big four” beef processors.  

A letter sent by Grassley, South Dakota Senator John Thune, and Congressional Iowa Republicans asks the U.S. Attorney General to continue the DOJ investigation and reveal at least some findings.

On a call with reporters Tuesday, Grassley said cattle producers need to be protected.

“The issues are limited competition, captive supply, formula contracting, and the highest corn prices since 2013. So you could imagine our cattle producers have financial burdens that’s probably forced some of them out of business.”

He says Congress cannot sit idly by, but is also at the mercy of the Department of Justice, which typically does not provide mid-investigation updates.

“DOJ always takes that position, but they ought to be able to give us some general comment without getting too specific. And what Senator Thune and I are trying to do, we don’t know what they’ll tell us, but it doesn’t hurt for us to ask.”

The DOJ issued subpoenas to Tyson Foods, JBS, National Beef, and Cargill nearly a year ago.  Grassley says at the very least he’d like confirmation that the department is even doing an investigation.