In this podcast episode, we dive into the intricate world of the US economy by examining the chicken industry. We look back at the historical backdrop of antitrust laws, particularly the Sherman and Clayton Acts, along with the Packers and Stockyards Act, and discuss how these regulations are being applied today amid growing corporate consolidation and technological changes. The conversation emphasizes the rising significance of monopsony power, where a single buyer dominates the market, and the influence of data-sharing platforms like Agristats on pricing and market trends. Additionally, we address the shifting concerns around antibiotic use in poultry farming, the effects of bird flu on both the industry and public health, and the wider implications of concentrated power in agriculture for rural communities and the economy as a whole.
