Cargill, Tysons Win Dismissal of Antitrust Claims From Ranchers

A federal judge dismissed antitrust claims filed by a putative class of cattle ranchers suing some of the world’s largest meatpackers in a longrunning case that alleges an industry-wide scheme to fix beef prices.

Meatpacking giants Cargill Inc., JBS SA, Tyson Foods Inc., National Beef Packing Co., and Swift Beef Co. escaped a raft of allegations by ranchers who indirectly sell them cattle via intermediaries. The plaintiffs lacked standing to pursue their central arguments, Judge John R. Tunheim of the US District Court for the District of Minnesota ruled Thursday, and can’t refile their complaint without first ...