A new 57-page report from the USDA Economic Research Service takes a deep look at agricultural consolidation in seed, meatpacking and retail companies for the past 40 years. A few statistics from its analysis follow:

Seed. The major driver of consolidation of seed companies was the push to commercialize ag biotechnology and protect intellectual property rights. This resulted in more private research and development investment in crop varieties and greater productivity on the farm. Also, it was found that:

Meatpacking. The ERS report listed these statistics for U.S. meatpackers:

Retail. The ERS report listed these statistics for retail grocers in the United States:

The report said while concentration can work against competition, the relationship between concentration and market power “is not tight.” High concentration can often result from factors like innovations or the realization of scale economies that improve productivity and reduce costs and prices. See the report at USDA.

Go to grazing school

Want to know more about regenerative grazing? There’s a class for that.

The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition will host two regenerative grazing schools, Sept. 8-9 in Bluford and Sept. 15-16 in Dundee. The schools will offer both classroom and in-field instruction on basics, soil fertility and health, water and fencing systems, multispecies grazing, and more.

“The benefits of regenerative grazing go beyond improving soil health, water quality and biodiversity, says Christian Lovell, coalition coordinator. “The practice can also have a very positive economic impact on a producer’s bottom line through increased animal performance and lower feed costs.”

Register by Aug. 25. Cost is $50 per person; space is limited. Email Lovell at [email protected] for more information.

Big honor for Big O

Orion Samuelson is getting the star treatment at the McHenry County Fair, as the fair renames its meeting hall in his honor. The fair in Woodstock, Ill., will hold a ceremony at 5 p.m. Aug. 2

Congrats to the next ag leaders

The Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation has selected its Class of 2025. This will be the 21st class in the organization’s history. Here’s a look at the newest class:

USDA announces discrimination assistance

USDA is now offering financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and landowners who have experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. You can find more online or submit an application through your local FSA office. The application period is open through Oct. 31, and payments will be sent in early 2024. You do not need an attorney for this application, but you can retain one.