Industrial threats to independent cattle ranchers and meatpacking industry consolidation

¶ … threats to Hank's lifestyle.

Development has taken over grazing land. Another issue is that environmentalists demanding that practices like Hank's be made illegal (Schlosser 134). Also, the race track nearby is disturbing the animals, among other things. The text describes other threats, including: "rising land prices, stagnant beef prices, oversupplies of cattle, increased shipments of live cattle from Canada and Mexico, development pressures, inheritance taxes, health scares about beef" (136).

How are Hank's problems similar to the problems faced by ranchers 100 years ago?

When the Industrial Revolution occurred, natural land was taken over so that factories could be built. The ranchers and farmers had to learn to live with this. Also, this was the time when the country was dealing with large trusts who controlled whole industries.

How does the meat packing industry keep the price of cattle low?

The meat packing industry keeps the price of cattle low by feeding the animals less expensive feed. Also, since they have industrialized the packaging of meat, they have been able to mass produce beef with substantially lower quality. They do not own ranches themselves, but instead lease out the care and upbringing of cows to others to keep costs down (139).

6. How do wealthy neighbors impact cattle ranchers?

Wealthy neighbors can negatively impact cattle ranchers by buying up large amounts of land which the cattle ranchers then cannot use for the purpose of grazing. They can also surround such a ranch with large houses, increasing the land costs and making it difficult for the rancher to hold on to his land.

7. What type of rancher is most at risk?

The type of rancher most at risk is the one who owns his own land and is not affiliated with any of the conglomerates within the meatpacking industry.

Synthesis:

1. How does this reading fit with your previous ideas about American ranchers and farmers?

Before reading this article, I did not understand how dire the meatpacking industry was making things for average American ranchers and farmers.

2. Who has the power in the cattle ranching industry? How are changes that lead to consolidation dangerous for both ranchers and consumers?

It seems that the power within the cattle ranching industry is in big conglomerates like McDonald's. Since these companies buy most of the meat, then they decide how the cattle ranchers live. The further consolidation makes ranching less profitable. Forcing the ranchers to use cheaper feed and less grazing land also makes worse quality meat which is then eaten by consumers.

3. Can you think of any ways to prevent the expansion of mergers and consolidation, and to support the American farmer?

The best way to prevent the expansion of mergers and consolidation in the industry is to make legislation which supports the individual farmers rather than the corporations.

Class Facilitation Question:

Make a question that is related to the readings and why did you come up with that question.

Is it possible to keep the costs of beef down without sacrificing quality?