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Minnesota Farmers Union board votes against Cargill-Sanderson merger
Minnesota Farmers Union is opposing Cargill’s acquisition of the nation’s third-largest poultry supplier, Sanderson Farms.
President Gary Wertish says MFU’s full board voted against Cargill buying Sanderson Farms earlier this month because it would lead to further consolidation in the poultry industry.
“The more consolidation we have, it’s not necessarily good for the farmer, and it’s not necessarily good for the consumer (either). It provides the farmer less choices on how he’s involved in agriculture, whether he’s an independent or marketing, and his transparency to his markets.”
For consumers, he tells Brownfield consolidation means less choices at the meat counter.
“So this really should be a concern for everybody.”
Earlier this month, Cargill and Continental Grain Company announced they had entered into an agreement to acquire Sanderson Farms. Once the transaction is completed, Sanderson will be combined with Continental subsidiary Wayne Farms, to form a new, privately held company.
Brownfield interviewed Wertish Monday at the Minnesota State Fair,
