MANCHESTER, NH – Did you buy beef for yourself, your family or friends to consume between Aug. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2019? You may be eligible for part of a $87.5 million settlement.
New Hampshire is one of 26 states and Washington, D.C., in which residents are eligible to make claims in an antitrust suit filed in U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota. The suit claims several beef processors entered into a market allocation agreement to stop competing against each other for market share. The purpose was to increase their margins, but it also meant consumers paid inflated prices for beef.
Two of the defendants, Tyson Foods and Cargill, have agreed to settlements totaling $87.5 million ($55 million from Tyson and $32.5 million from Cargill).
To submit a claim for part of the settlement, anyone who bought beef indirectly from either Tyson or Cargill – indirectly means you bought it from a grocery store, not directly from Tyson or Cargill – can fill out a claim form. No documentation is required, but you may be asked for some in the future in the event of an audit.
The claim form asks if you bought beef every month between Aug. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2019, and if not, to estimate how many months you bought beef, how many pounds you bought, and how much money you spent on it.
Eligible types of beef to claim are chuck, loin, rib, or round primal cuts. Specifics, as well as what types of beef are not included in the settlement, are listed on the settlement website.
Claims must be made by June 30 to get a cash payment. Claims paid will be pro-rata, which means the amount will depend on how many people make a claim. There is an estimated 36 million potential class members, according to news reports. That means the cash payment likely will be a fraction of any claim. Submitting a claim also means you give up your right to sue over the price inflation.
Other states besides New Hampshire in the claimant suit are:
- Arizona
- California
- Florida
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Washington, D.C.
The stores that sold the beef are not defendants in the lawsuit. Beef producers named in the suit who have not settled are JBS USA Food Co., Swift Beef Co., JBS Packerland Inc. and National Beef Packing Co.
Those who object to the settlement must submit a written objection to the U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, by March 30, 2026.
The court will hold a hearing at 11 a.m. CDT, May 12, to decide whether to officially approve the settlements, the amount of attorneys’ fees, and any service awards.