R-CALF officials have written to the U.S. Justice Department asking them to deny National Beef Packing Company’s acquisition of Iowa Premium Beef of Tama, Iowa. National Beef is the 4th largest packer and Iowa Premium processes 1,100 head of Angus cattle per day. R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard says if the deal is allowed to go through it will mean less competition among meat packers and lead to more concentration in the industry.

He says they want the DOJ to file an action to stop the acquisition.

Bullard says another problem with the deal is National Beef is primarily owned by a Brazilian company that has a bad track record.

Bullard says they’re also urging state affiliate members to ask their state Attorney’s General to oppose the merger.