Broiler Chicken Growers

Hausfeld is court-appointed Co-Lead Counsel on behalf of a class of broiler chicken growers (the farmers that raise chickens for meat) in this antitrust class action.

The Plaintiffs allege a conspiracy among the major vertically-integrated poultry production companies to suppress broiler chicken growers’ pay below competitive levels, effectuated through two independent but mutually reinforcing schemes: (1) an agreement not to solicit or “poach” one another’s growers and (2) an exchange of grower pay data. The case alleges violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act and the Packers and Stockyards Act.

The Defendants are Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride, Perdue Farms, Koch Foods, and Sanderson Farms—the five largest vertically-integrated poultry companies in the country. Motions to dismiss and to compel arbitration were denied in January 2020. The multidistrict litigation is before the Honorable Chief Judge Robert J. Shelby of the District of Utah, sitting by designation in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Plaintiffs have reached settlements with four of the five Defendants – Tyson Foods ($21 million), Perdue Farms ($14.75 million), Koch Foods ($15.5 million), and Sanderson Farms ($17.75 million) – totaling $69 million. The first three settlements have received final approval from the Court, and preliminary approval for the most recent Sanderson settlement is pending. More information about the four settlements, including on the eligibility criteria to receive a payment and on the process for claiming that payment, is available on the settlement website.