This bill requires the Administrator of the Economic Research Service (ERS) to publish a report on consolidation and concentration in the livestock industry within one year after each latest Census of Agriculture is made public. The report must detail changes in the size and location of ranches, farms, processing facilities, and packers throughout the United States. The ERS is also tasked with assessing the impact of these changes on farmers, ranchers, and downstream consumers, including financial, market entry, resource access, and dietary effects. The research will draw on data available to the Secretary of Agriculture, such as the Census of Agriculture and inspection records, and must separate information for beef cattle by cow-calf and fed cattle operations. The term "livestock" is broadly defined to include beef, dairy, pork, and poultry production, and the final report must not contain any confidential business information.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Agriculture and Food
Livestock Consolidation Research Act of 2026
USA119th CongressS-4168| Senate
| Updated: 3/24/2026
This bill requires the Administrator of the Economic Research Service (ERS) to publish a report on consolidation and concentration in the livestock industry within one year after each latest Census of Agriculture is made public. The report must detail changes in the size and location of ranches, farms, processing facilities, and packers throughout the United States. The ERS is also tasked with assessing the impact of these changes on farmers, ranchers, and downstream consumers, including financial, market entry, resource access, and dietary effects. The research will draw on data available to the Secretary of Agriculture, such as the Census of Agriculture and inspection records, and must separate information for beef cattle by cow-calf and fed cattle operations. The term "livestock" is broadly defined to include beef, dairy, pork, and poultry production, and the final report must not contain any confidential business information.