Livestock Marketing and Competition and the USDA's and "GIPSA" Rule

Farmers and ranchers have had to adjust to significant changes in the structure and business methods of the livestock and meat sectors in recent decades. At the farm level, animal production in general and hog production in particular have undergone significant consolidation since 1980. Beef and pork packing (slaughtering) and processing have consolidated rapidly since 1980 into fewer and larger plants. As an industry consolidates, it can become highly concentrated, with a relatively small number of firms accounting for most of the production or sales. This book examines the USDA's "GIPSA Rule" on livestock and poultry marketing practices and competition issues.