Source: MEATINGPLACE, 7/25/14

A coalition of 82 farm, ranch, consumer and faith-based groups sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice demanding it extend its anti-trust review of the proposed Tyson Foods takeover of Hillshire Brands Co.

The groups argue the merger would substantially undermine competition in the pork processing and hog purchasing sectors, disadvantaging farmers and consumers and undermining rural communities.

“The rapid consolidation of market power in the hands of just a few pork processors resulted in the loss of more than 90 percent of all hog farms since 1980. Tyson’s takeover of Hillshire certainly warrants further investigation by the Department of Justice and should be stopped. It’s time for the Justice Department to enforce our anti-trust laws,” Roger Johnson, president of National Farmers Union, said in a statement.

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