Bought Beef in Iowa? Days Left to Claim $87.5M Settlement

Iowa shoppers who bought beef between 2014 and 2019 have just days left to claim cash from an $87.5 million settlement with Tyson Foods and Cargill. A class action lawsuit accused the major beef processors of colluding to inflate prices, costing consumers at the grocery store. The deadline to file a claim is Tuesday, June 30.

Why Are Tyson and Cargill Paying $87.5 Million?

An antitrust class action lawsuit targeted several massive beef processors, including industry giants Tyson Foods and Cargill. Consumers alleged that these companies entered into a market allocation agreement, essentially agreeing to stop competing against each other for market share.

According to a press release from the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, this agreement allowed the beef processors to increase their margins and drive up the prices consumers paid for beef. While Tyson and Cargill have agreed to pay $55 million and $32.5 million respectively to resolve the claims, they have not admitted to any wrongdoing. The court has also not ruled that the companies did anything wrong.

Do Iowa Shoppers Qualify for the Beef Settlement?

If you purchased beef for personal consumption between August 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019, you may be eligible for a cash payment. Iowa is one of the states explicitly included in the settlement, recognizing the direct impact on local consumers.

To qualify, you must have bought the beef at a grocery store or supermarket, not directly from a processor. The purchase must have occurred in Iowa or one of the other eligible states. Qualifying products include more than 280 types of fresh and frozen beef, such as chuck, loin, rib, and round primal cuts.

How to File Your Claim Before the June 30 Deadline

Time is running out. You have until Tuesday, June 30, to file your claim online or by mailing in your form. The online form requires your name, address, email, and phone number. You will also need to complete a questionnaire about your beef purchases, detailing how many pounds you bought and how much you spent on a monthly basis.

When filing, you can choose to receive your payment via check, electronic methods like PayPal or Venmo, or digital gift cards for Amazon, Instacart, or Starbucks. Cash payments will be distributed on a pro rata basis, meaning the amount you receive depends on the total volume of qualifying beef you purchased during that five-year window.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

A judge still needs to approve the settlements, so payments will not be issued immediately. Any objections to the case could also cause further delays. It is important to note that by submitting a claim, you give up your right to sue Tyson and Cargill over the same allegations covered in this lawsuit. If you wish to object to the settlement, you have until March 30, 2026, to submit a written objection.

What beef products are excluded from the settlement?

While the settlement covers a wide range of fresh and frozen cuts, certain products are excluded. The full list of qualifying beef products and exclusions can be found at