FORBES, N.D. (Prairie News Service) – Beef producers in North Dakota are calling on federal officials to look into the possibility of market manipulation. They say a recent drop in prices is hurting them, but benefiting others in the industry.

Those raising the concerns point to a 91-percent increase in beef demand last month, as people stocked up on goods in response to the pandemic. However, live cattle prices dropped, while prices for packaged meat went up.

Rancher Ryan Brokaw, a member of the North Dakota Farmers Union, says there’s concern the four major meat-packing firms are engaged in unfair practices.

Along with both U-S Senators from North Dakota, Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa has called on the Justice and Agriculture Departments to investigate. Last year, Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue said his office would investigate similar concerns, but no findings have been issued.

The North American Meat Institute, which represents the packing firms, denies these companies are doing anything illegal, and instead points to market volatility caused by the pandemic.

Brokaw says he was lucky to have sold some of his steers back in February, before the price drop. He says that prevented a loss of more than $40-thousand dollars – but other producers aren’t as lucky.

Despite his recent sale, Brokaw says he’s still sitting on half of his stock. He worries that market volatility and less demand from the restaurant industry during the pandemic will be harmful to his bottom line.