Vertical Integration in Beef industry

[dcara]

The USDA reports Ive seen over the past year continue to talk about the increased vertical integration of the industry. Thought I'd post some links to articles on it for those interested in learning more about it.

http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare ... 78/unknown

http://www.choicesmagazine.org/2002-4/2002-4-03.pdf

http://www.aglines.com/2010/08/growing- ... -business/

 

[Sir Loin]

Definition: vertical integration ( AKA diversification )

" The process in which several steps in the production and/or distribution of a product or service are controlled by a single company or entity, in order to increase that company's or entity's power in the marketplace."

Nothing new here!
This is nothing more then capitalism at it's finest which has been used by both large and small businesses for as long as I can remember.
Why would anyone seem surprised to see the forces of capitalism at work in the cattle industry?

Sounds to me like someone got some Federal grant money and couldn't find anything else to study. :roll:
SL