Captive in Practice: Why “Independent” Is the Wrong Word for Most U.S. Cattle Feedlots
Ownership, contract, and geography are the three forms of captivity that bind U.S. cattle feedlots to packers. A synthesis of FAT supply-map data, USDA Livestock Mandatory Reporting, the 2007 GIPSA RTI study, and the academic literature on captive supply and grid pricing. Prepared with the assistance of AI.
Federal and State Regulation of Large Feedlots in the United States
Large commercial feedlots—typically defined as operations with 1,000 or more head of cattle—are central to the U.S. beef supply chain. They are subject to extensive environmental regulation, minimal animal welfare regulation, and virtually no transparency requirements.
Feedlot Pricing Grids
← FAT Research Library 📅 Prepared March 11, 2026 | 🔄 Revised May 2, 2026 ✍️ Dirk Adams ⌛ 9 min read FAT RESEARCH SERIES — ECONOMIC CONCENTRATION / BEEF FAT RESEARCH REPORT Feedlot Pricing Grids: Structure, Premiums, Discounts & Market Implications For Cow-Calf Producers, Feedlots & Commodity Markets Farm Animal Transparency (FAT) / Honest […]
Overview of the American Beef Industry: Concentration, Foreign Ownership, and Market Structure
← FAT Research Library 📅 Prepared March 10, 2026 | 🔄 Revised May 2, 2026 ✍️ Dirk Adams ⌛ 9 min read FAT RESEARCH SERIES — ECONOMIC CONCENTRATION / BEEF Overview of the American Beef Industry: Concentration, Foreign Ownership, and Market Structure Industry Scale and Supply Chain Structure The United States beef industry generates […]