Cattle Producers and Futures Traders May Be Eligible for Share of $83.5 Million Settlement

Estimated Award: Varies based on claim; proportionate share of the net fund
Deadline to File: September 15, 2025

JBS USA Food Company, Swift Beef Company, JBS Packerland, Inc., and JBS S.A. have agreed to an $83.5 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit accusing them of conspiring to limit competition and depress prices in the cattle market in violation of federal antitrust and commodities laws.

Who Qualifies for a Settlement Payment?

Two settlement classes have been approved:

Producer Class

You may qualify if:

  • You directly sold fed cattle for slaughter to one or more defendants between June 1, 2015, and February 29, 2020
  • Your sales were not made under a Cost-Plus or Profit Sharing Agreement
  • You did not sell breeding stock, cull cows, cull bulls, or unfinished cattle such as calves or feeder cattle

Exchange Class

You may qualify if:

  • You held a long position in Live Cattle Futures contracts on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange prior to June 1, 2015
  • You liquidated your position through an offsetting transaction on or before November 1, 2016
  • Qualifying contracts include: LEM5, LEQ5, LEV5, LEZ5, LEG6, LEJ6, LEM6, LEQ6, LEV6

How Much Will You Receive?

The $83.5 million fund will be divided between the Producer and Exchange Classes. Payouts will be made pro rata, meaning your compensation depends on the value of your qualifying activity compared to all other valid claims.

  • Producer Class: Based on total sales of qualifying fed cattle
    Example: If your sales made up 0.1% of total qualifying sales, you would receive 0.1% of the Producer Class fund.
  • Exchange Class: Based on the size of your Live Cattle Futures position
    Example: If your trades account for 2% of total valid claims, you would receive 2% of the Exchange Class fund.

How to File a Claim

To receive payment, you must submit a valid claim by September 15, 2025.

Claim Options:

  • Online: Submit your claim at the settlement website
  • Mail: Download and complete a claim form and send it to:
    Cattle Antitrust Settlement
    1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Required Documentation

You must include proof of qualifying activity:

  • Producer Class: Provide documents such as sales receipts, close-out sheets, feedyard reports, or marketing cooperative statements
  • Exchange Class: Include brokerage statements, trade confirmations, or similar records showing dates and sizes of your trades

Payment Methods Available

You can choose to receive your payment via:

  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Zelle
  • Virtual Prepaid Card
  • Mailed Paper Check

Breakdown of the $83.5M Settlement Fund

Key Dates

  • Claim Filing Deadline: September 15, 2025
  • Final Approval Hearing: August 15, 2025

When Will Payments Be Issued?

If the court grants final approval at the August 15, 2025 hearing and there are no appeals, payments will be distributed shortly afterward to approved claimants.

Why Was This Settlement Reached?

The lawsuit alleged that JBS and other leading meat packers coordinated to reduce competition in the cattle market and manipulate Live Cattle Futures prices, thereby harming cattle producers and futures traders. JBS denies the allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the burden and expense of continued litigation. The settlement provides eligible class members a chance to be compensated without going to trial.

Sources:

Please be aware that your claim form will be rejected if it contains fraudulent information. By submitting your information and your sworn statement of its accuracy, you are agreeing to do so under penalty of perjury. Submitting false information not only jeopardizes your claim but also affects others who are genuinely eligible for the settlement. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for this class action settlement, please visit the class action administrator’s website for more information. Note that NoProofClassActions.org participates in the Amazon affiliate advertising program, and this post may include affiliate links, which could result in us earning a commission if you make a purchase through those links.