Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley last week asked federal authorities to investigate “serious allegations” about possible illegal practices due to consolidation of the meat packing industry.

Separately, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) and other state Farm Bureaus urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to consider the severe economic stresses in the cattle industry as it develops plans for agriculture relief in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which passed late last month. Lawmakers, including the entire Iowa congressional delegation, made a similar request to the USDA. 

Grassley said the allegations stem from a decline in cattle prices paid ...