As the Ag community moves past the struggles and difficulties of 2020, the question of what the future holds in store becomes more and more important. Tom Sharp, President of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, said one of the chief issues the livestock industry will want addressed in 2021 and further down the road, the monopolistic actions by the few packing companies that remain. He said the exorbitant profits those four companies have enjoyed over recent years should serve as the first red flag.

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“While the producer who is at a two-year proposition from the time he plans and produces and raises and feeds the cattle that are eventually brought to market, he’s not enjoying any increase in profit margins.  Most of our producers are barely able to stay afloat, and stay in business either at a loss or a breaking even point.”

Sharp noted that currently, those four packing companies in the U.S. are responsible for 80% of the production.

He’s also optimistic looking to the future. He noted the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine will help the American public get back to a normal way of life, which is pivotal for the beef industry.

“Over half of the beef consumption occurs in our dine-in restaurant facilities.  We need to get them open again, and I believe that that will begin to happen as we get into mid- and later-2021.”

Sharp also applauded the Oregon cattle industry for its resiliency in the face of a historic 2020.




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