Problem
Discuss and analyze beef packer ownership and concentration in the United States. Analyze and discuss the change in beef packer ownership structure in the last 25 years. Discuss any expansion of new packing plants that could be built in the new future. If new plants are being built, discuss your conclusion for the market impact for fed cattle prices, and why. Discuss who has the market leverage as it relates to fed cattle pricing, the packer or the producer/rancher/feeder and why. Also, discuss the farm-to-table movement in the United States beef/meat production. Discuss the consumer sentiment driving this change in the way beef is marketed. Discuss what is the likely impact for the fed cattle price received by the rancher/farmer participating in the farm-to-table market. Provide in business memo format. List all sources.