Hearings into allegations that the lamb-packing industry is operating under a monopoly are planned for September in Denver and Washington, D.C., according to an industry spokeswoman.
Carolyn Paseneaux, executive director of the Wyoming Wool Growers, said the federal hearings are scheduled Sept. 18 in Denver and Sept. 26 in Washington, D.C.The hearings follow numerous complaints about the gap between prices paid to lamb producers and those paid by consumers. The U.S. Justice Department's Antitrust Division launched an investigation after several members of Congress, including Wyoming's congressional delegation, called for one.
In addition, Sen. Alan Simpson will hold a meeting this fall in Cheyenne for producers and retailers to solicit information about the industry.
Wyoming producers are making arrangements to attend the hearing in Denver, Paseneaux said.
The federal investigation is focusing on the prices producers receive for lambs compared with what people pay in the store. Producers say they receive only about 50 cents per pound, which they say is too low because lamb often costs more than $6 per pound in the store.
Justice Department spokesman Anthony Nanni said the investigation of the lamb packing industry is continuing and that federal officials still are obtaining information.
Nanni declined to discuss the investigation, saying it is confidential. He declined to say when the investigation will be completed or whether any action will be taken.
In early August, federal officials said they were concerned about the progress of the investigation because producers weren't providing enough information.
However, Paseneaux said producers are coming forward now. She said the Wool Growers appealed directly to producers to provide details to the Justice Department.
Before, Paseneaux said several sheep producers were cautious about talking to federal officials because they feared retribution from the packers.
As the September lamb sales period nears, with prices continuing to hold between 48 and 53 cents per pound, producers are beginning to talk to investigators, Paseneaux said. Sheep producers say they need to receive about 62 cents per pound to break even.
Paseneaux said the Wyoming Wool Growers wanted Simpson to hold his meeting with sheep producers and retailers in mid-August to send a message that the federal investigation into the industry is serious. However, she said, the meeting likely won't be held until late November or early December in Cheyenne.