The U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust division has sent civil investigative demands which are similar to subpoenas to the nation’s four major meatpackers. It’s part of their investigation into possible anticompetitive practices in the cattle markets. South Dakota Stock Grower’s Association President Scott Edoff is pleased with the action taken by the Justice Department.

He says DOJ needs to take tough enforcement action on the packers and break up their control of the cash cattle markets.

The Justice Department is also talking with state attorneys general about their probe. Edoff says that’s positive and that hopefully the results of this investigation will lead to increased enforcement of the country’s antitrust laws.

The four meatpackers that control more than 80 percent of the U.S. beef processing market includes Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill and National Beef Incorporated.