Beef Industry Antitrust Lawsuit: JBS Agrees to $83.5 Million Settlement
In early 2025, JBS—one of the world’s largest meatpackers—agreed to pay $83.5 million to settle a high-profile antitrust class action lawsuit. The suit, initiated in 2019 by the National Farmers Union, R-CALF USA, and four ranchers, alleged that JBS conspired with Tyson, Cargill, and National Beef to suppress fed cattle prices by limiting supply in the U.S. market.
The settlement covers direct sellers of fed cattle to these meatpackers between June 1, 2015 and February 29, 2020, as well as individuals who held and liquidated long positions in live cattle futures traded through November 1, 2016. JBS did not admit wrongdoing; the agreement aims to avoid further litigation while claims proceed against the remaining defendants.
Claimants must submit applications by September 15, 2025. Detailed filing instructions are provided on the official settlement website and by the administrator. Submitted information is kept confidential.
Related litigation continues against other major beef processors alleged to have participated in the same conspiracy, including Tyson, Cargill, and National Beef.