WASHINGTON — Federal officials have announced a proposed agreement with a meat industry data firm that authorities claim contributed to rising grocery costs across the country.
The Justice Department celebrated the settlement with Agri Stats as a win in their campaign to restore fair pricing in the meat sector and reduce food expenses for American families. However, officials acknowledge that addressing high food costs remains complex with no easy fixes.
“A stable and affordable food supply is critical to our country’s well-being,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. “This Department of Justice is laser-focused on making everyday life affordable for all Americans.”
Federal prosecutors targeted Agri Stats, a company based in Indiana that gathers confidential data from meat processing companies and distributes detailed industry reports. Authorities claimed these operations enabled poultry, pork and turkey producers to raise prices charged to restaurants, supermarkets and other purchasers who couldn’t access Agri Stats’ information.
The proposed agreement would force Agri Stats to provide U.S. buyers with most of the data it gathers from processing companies, according to the Justice Department.
Company leadership expressed satisfaction with resolving the legal dispute. “Agri Stats has been instrumental in the efficiency improvements in the chicken industry that have made such wonderful results possible, and we look forward to continue helping our subscribers improve their businesses, which will make chicken more affordable for all Americans,” Eric Scholer said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Justice Department continues investigating possible antitrust violations within the beef processing sector. This probe stems from President Donald Trump’s directive to examine whether foreign-owned meat companies were inflating beef prices domestically.
Beef costs have risen consistently since 2020 and remain near historic peaks. Government data shows ground beef averaged $6.70 per pound in March, representing a 16% increase from the previous year.
Multiple factors contribute to these price increases, including severe drought conditions and declining cattle populations. A three-year dry spell starting in 2020 reduced grazing land nationwide and caused feed expenses to skyrocket. Weather challenges continue, with approximately 63% of U.S. cattle currently located in drought-affected regions, USDA reports indicate.
America’s cattle population has decreased for decades and now sits at its lowest level since 1951, according to federal agriculture data. While improved genetics and feeding methods allow ranchers to produce more meat per animal, they remain hesitant to expand herds due to expensive feed, labor costs and persistent dry conditions.
Border restrictions have also impacted pricing. Officials closed the U.S.-Mexico border to livestock shipments in late 2024 to prevent spread of the New World screwworm, a dangerous parasite. These closures have blocked approximately one million cattle from entering the United States from Mexico.
