Justice Department Reaches Proposed Settlement With Agri Stats in Antitrust Case

The Trump administration has reached a proposed settlement in an antitrust case against Agri Stats, an Indiana-based company that collects nonpublic information from meat processors and shares the data in detailed reports with the industry. The case was initially brought by the Biden administration.

The federal government alleged that Agri Stats' practices allowed chicken, pork and turkey processors to inflate prices charged to restaurants, grocery stores and other buyers who were not allowed access to Agri Stats’ data.

U.S. buyers most of the information it collects from processors, the Justice Department said. Justice Department officials touted the deal as a victory in their effort to reclaim competitive prices in the meat industry and lower food costs for Americans.

“A stable and affordable food supply is critical to our country’s well-being,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. U.S. Department of Justice logo stood before a news conference on Monday, May 4, 2026, in Washington as details of the agreement emerged.

Com reported that Agri Stats’ president expressed relief at resolving the matter. “Agri Stats has been instrumental in the efficiency improvements in the chicken industry that have made such wonderful results possible, and we look forward to continue helping our subscribers improve their businesses, which will make chicken more affordable for all Americans,” Eric Scholer said in a statement.

Agri Stats’ president said it was pleased to put this case with the Department of Justice and six states behind us. The settlement comes as the Justice Department is separately investigating potential antitrust violations in the beef processing industry.

U.S. beef prices have been climbing steadily since 2020 and are near record highs. 70, or 16% higher than a year ago, according to government figures.

U.S. cattle herd is in drought areas, according to the USDA. U.S. cattle herd has been shrinking for decades and is now at its smallest size since 1951, according to the USDA.