At a time when meat packing plants are under scrutiny for their COVID-19 safety practices, there are new concerns of price fixing.

The top law enforcement officers in 11 Midwest states, including Nebraska, are urging the Department of Justice to investigate why consumers are paying high prices for beef at a time when cattle prices are low and continue to dive.

In a letter to U-S Attorney General William Barr, 11 Attorneys General from the country's heartland noted that the four largest meat packing companies control more than 80 percent of the beef processed in the country.

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and his colleagues believe the situation warrants a full federal investigation because the alleged anti-competitive conduct harms consumers and cattle ranchers across the United States.