# Ep. 237: Cheap Groceries Come at a Cost / DOJ Investigates Meat Packers

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Podcast: [Talk Dirt to Me](https://stenobird.com/podcast/talk-dirt-to-me-4427943)
Published: 2026-05-08T08:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://talkdirttome.libsyn.com/ep-237-cheap-groceries-come-at-a-cost-doj-investigates-meat-packers
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/talkdirttome/TDTM_Ep._237.mp3?dest-id=3086684
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Duration seconds: 5206

## Resource

Tonight's episode of Talk Dirt To Me is packed with everything from Tennessee agriculture to Hollywood crushes and hard-hitting industry talk. We kick things off with a breakdown of the incredible farm tour we attended featuring Skip Baskin 's cattle operation, Kirk Daniels ' pecan orchard and diversified farm, and Turner Angus Farms , where we got to see their cattle program and the pizza restaurant they built inside a barn using beef raised right on their farm. It was an awesome look at the innovation, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit driving Tennessee agriculture today. We also dive into the USDA issuing the remaining SDRP payments and have a real conversation about farm subsidies, food prices, and why the current ag system is structured the way it is. Like it or not, cheap groceries in America come at a cost, and we discuss why most consumers are not prepared for what food prices would look like without support programs in place. The recent egg price situation proved that in a hurry. From there, we lighten things up with our Top 3 actresses list before shifting gears into one of the biggest stories in agriculture right now, the DOJ investigating the Big Four meat packers over possible price manipulation. We break down why this matters for cattle producers and consumers alike and why many farmers are glad this issue is finally getting attention. We wrap things up answering listener questions, including our thoughts on the screwworm situation and what it could mean moving forward. If you enjoy agriculture, rural life, cattle talk, food systems, and unfiltered conversation, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use…

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## Transcript

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