Austin Frerick
@austinfrerick.bsky.social
Wrote - Barons. Currently Yale. Formerly US Treasury/CRS. #firstgen 🌽🐷🏳️🌈
Pinned
I made their Best Books of 2024 list!!!
Oh f'yeah 🥳🥳🥳
Oh f'yeah 🥳🥳🥳
“Trump shouldn’t underestimate the Yellowstone effect,” says Frerick.
I spoke to the FT about how ranchers loom large in the public consciousness, and about the danger of siding with foreign corporations like JBS against independent American ranchers.
I spoke to the FT about how ranchers loom large in the public consciousness, and about the danger of siding with foreign corporations like JBS against independent American ranchers.
The soaring price of a steak
Beef costs have risen sharply in many countries, adding to the pressure on living standards and bringing Donald Trump into conflict with ranchers
www.ft.com
November 15, 2025 at 3:01 PM
“Trump shouldn’t underestimate the Yellowstone effect,” says Frerick.
I spoke to the FT about how ranchers loom large in the public consciousness, and about the danger of siding with foreign corporations like JBS against independent American ranchers.
I spoke to the FT about how ranchers loom large in the public consciousness, and about the danger of siding with foreign corporations like JBS against independent American ranchers.
Reposted by Austin Frerick
Since 1982, America has lost 80% of its dairies and 90% of its hog farms, mostly small, independent family operations.
(stat from @austinfrerick.bsky.social 's book "Barons.")
(stat from @austinfrerick.bsky.social 's book "Barons.")
November 11, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Since 1982, America has lost 80% of its dairies and 90% of its hog farms, mostly small, independent family operations.
(stat from @austinfrerick.bsky.social 's book "Barons.")
(stat from @austinfrerick.bsky.social 's book "Barons.")
Whirlwind week 🍃💨
Monday: Princeton University
Tuesday: Land Stewardship Project in Lanesboro, MN
Wednesday: IACP Awards in Brooklyn
So lucky to be presenting Barons more than a year after publication
Monday: Princeton University
Tuesday: Land Stewardship Project in Lanesboro, MN
Wednesday: IACP Awards in Brooklyn
So lucky to be presenting Barons more than a year after publication
November 7, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Whirlwind week 🍃💨
Monday: Princeton University
Tuesday: Land Stewardship Project in Lanesboro, MN
Wednesday: IACP Awards in Brooklyn
So lucky to be presenting Barons more than a year after publication
Monday: Princeton University
Tuesday: Land Stewardship Project in Lanesboro, MN
Wednesday: IACP Awards in Brooklyn
So lucky to be presenting Barons more than a year after publication
“You’re a winner, baby!” 🥳😜
Honored to have won the best “Food Issues” book from the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP).
Honored to have won the best “Food Issues” book from the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP).
November 6, 2025 at 1:07 PM
“You’re a winner, baby!” 🥳😜
Honored to have won the best “Food Issues” book from the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP).
Honored to have won the best “Food Issues” book from the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP).
Reposted by Austin Frerick
I went back on Bloomberg’s biggest podcast, Odd Lots, to discuss the Distribution Baron in my paperback: Sysco. I chatted with Tracy and Joe about how Sysco built its empire, what we’ve lost because of it, and, more importantly, what we can do about it.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
The Hidden Supply Chain Making Every Menu Feel Familiar
Meet broadline distributor Sysco.
www.bloomberg.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:28 PM
I went back on Bloomberg’s biggest podcast, Odd Lots, to discuss the Distribution Baron in my paperback: Sysco. I chatted with Tracy and Joe about how Sysco built its empire, what we’ve lost because of it, and, more importantly, what we can do about it.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
I went back on Bloomberg’s biggest podcast, Odd Lots, to discuss the Distribution Baron in my paperback: Sysco. I chatted with Tracy and Joe about how Sysco built its empire, what we’ve lost because of it, and, more importantly, what we can do about it.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
The Hidden Supply Chain Making Every Menu Feel Familiar
Meet broadline distributor Sysco.
www.bloomberg.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:28 PM
I went back on Bloomberg’s biggest podcast, Odd Lots, to discuss the Distribution Baron in my paperback: Sysco. I chatted with Tracy and Joe about how Sysco built its empire, what we’ve lost because of it, and, more importantly, what we can do about it.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
I spoke to the BBC about what's going on with America's beef markets.
"These are consolidated markets gouging ranchers and gouging consumers at the store."
Today, just 4 firms control more than 80% of the beef slaughtering and packing market.
"These are consolidated markets gouging ranchers and gouging consumers at the store."
Today, just 4 firms control more than 80% of the beef slaughtering and packing market.
US beef prices are soaring. Will Trump's plans lower them?
Trump is under fire from ranchers, who say his ideas to lower prices address "symptoms not the problems".
www.bbc.com
October 25, 2025 at 7:14 PM
I spoke to the BBC about what's going on with America's beef markets.
"These are consolidated markets gouging ranchers and gouging consumers at the store."
Today, just 4 firms control more than 80% of the beef slaughtering and packing market.
"These are consolidated markets gouging ranchers and gouging consumers at the store."
Today, just 4 firms control more than 80% of the beef slaughtering and packing market.
Upcoming Talk! More info: cpree.princeton.edu/events/2025/...
October 22, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Upcoming Talk! More info: cpree.princeton.edu/events/2025/...
Over 600k+ YouTube and 5m TikTok views in the first 24 hours!
Honored to be a part of this new video w/ @moreperfectunion.bsky.social based on my new chapter on Sysco - my Distribution Barons - the largest global food distributor for eating out.
Honored to be a part of this new video w/ @moreperfectunion.bsky.social based on my new chapter on Sysco - my Distribution Barons - the largest global food distributor for eating out.
I Tracked Down The Company Ruining Restaurants
YouTube video by More Perfect Union
www.youtube.com
October 8, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Over 600k+ YouTube and 5m TikTok views in the first 24 hours!
Honored to be a part of this new video w/ @moreperfectunion.bsky.social based on my new chapter on Sysco - my Distribution Barons - the largest global food distributor for eating out.
Honored to be a part of this new video w/ @moreperfectunion.bsky.social based on my new chapter on Sysco - my Distribution Barons - the largest global food distributor for eating out.
"Frerick said there are many ways to get around Iowa's anti-corporate laws, adding that it’s an open secret they're being ignored."
Who are Iowa's biggest landowners? One central Iowan owns 43,700 acres
Iowa's top 10 largest farm owners own 222,000 acres, valued at $2.5 billion. Some critics say Iowa's not doing enough to limit corporate buyers.
www.desmoinesregister.com
October 1, 2025 at 4:09 PM
"Frerick said there are many ways to get around Iowa's anti-corporate laws, adding that it’s an open secret they're being ignored."
One of the coolest barns I've ever been in - and such an honor to be one of the keynotes at the Real Organic Project conference this weekend.
September 28, 2025 at 9:22 PM
One of the coolest barns I've ever been in - and such an honor to be one of the keynotes at the Real Organic Project conference this weekend.
Catch me later this week if you're in the Bay Area.
September 20, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Catch me later this week if you're in the Bay Area.
New excerpt from my expanded paperback-
"Sysco’s market dominance means that something essential is being lost. As local businesses fade away, a sense of a distinct regional and local identity disappears with them."
"Sysco’s market dominance means that something essential is being lost. As local businesses fade away, a sense of a distinct regional and local identity disappears with them."
Tonight’s Dinner Fell Off the Sysco Truck
Sysco’s market dominance means that something essential is being lost. As local businesses fade away, a sense of a distinct regional and local identity disappears with them.
www.thenation.com
September 15, 2025 at 12:28 PM
New excerpt from my expanded paperback-
"Sysco’s market dominance means that something essential is being lost. As local businesses fade away, a sense of a distinct regional and local identity disappears with them."
"Sysco’s market dominance means that something essential is being lost. As local businesses fade away, a sense of a distinct regional and local identity disappears with them."
Three talks coming up --
Twin Cities Vegfest: Sept 21 230pm ET (Harriet Island Park)
Stanford Law: Sept 23 4pm ET
Real Organic Project: Sept 27 10am ET (Hudson, NY)
Twin Cities Vegfest: Sept 21 230pm ET (Harriet Island Park)
Stanford Law: Sept 23 4pm ET
Real Organic Project: Sept 27 10am ET (Hudson, NY)
Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry – Lunch Talk with author Austin Frerick | Stanford Law School
Join Stanford’s Climate and Energy Policy Program (CEPP) for a lunch discussion with Austin Frerick, author of the acclaimed 2024 book Barons: Mone
law.stanford.edu
September 11, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Three talks coming up --
Twin Cities Vegfest: Sept 21 230pm ET (Harriet Island Park)
Stanford Law: Sept 23 4pm ET
Real Organic Project: Sept 27 10am ET (Hudson, NY)
Twin Cities Vegfest: Sept 21 230pm ET (Harriet Island Park)
Stanford Law: Sept 23 4pm ET
Real Organic Project: Sept 27 10am ET (Hudson, NY)
The League of Women Voters made a special drink for my last paperback book event 🥳🥹
September 10, 2025 at 12:25 PM
The League of Women Voters made a special drink for my last paperback book event 🥳🥹
And we're off -- first paperback event!
Special thanks to the Iowa Center for the Book, Dog·Eared Books, League of Women Voters, and the Ames Public Library
Special thanks to the Iowa Center for the Book, Dog·Eared Books, League of Women Voters, and the Ames Public Library
August 30, 2025 at 2:12 PM
And we're off -- first paperback event!
Special thanks to the Iowa Center for the Book, Dog·Eared Books, League of Women Voters, and the Ames Public Library
Special thanks to the Iowa Center for the Book, Dog·Eared Books, League of Women Voters, and the Ames Public Library
Reposted by Austin Frerick
@austinfrerick.bsky.social new paprback edition chapter features Milk & Honey restaurant in Harlan, Iowa.
August 30, 2025 at 1:59 AM
@austinfrerick.bsky.social new paprback edition chapter features Milk & Honey restaurant in Harlan, Iowa.
Reposted by Austin Frerick
@austinfrerick.bsky.social's @islandpress.bsky.social Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry out in paperback soon in Europe!
Buy from your local bookseller or direct @ipsuk.bsky.social!
Buy from your local bookseller or direct @ipsuk.bsky.social!
August 29, 2025 at 9:09 AM
@austinfrerick.bsky.social's @islandpress.bsky.social Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry out in paperback soon in Europe!
Buy from your local bookseller or direct @ipsuk.bsky.social!
Buy from your local bookseller or direct @ipsuk.bsky.social!
Exciting news -- I'll be back on the road later this week bopping around Iowa for the expanded paperback release of Barons.
I'd love to see yah if you're in the area 🚗📚
I'd love to see yah if you're in the area 🚗📚
August 25, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Exciting news -- I'll be back on the road later this week bopping around Iowa for the expanded paperback release of Barons.
I'd love to see yah if you're in the area 🚗📚
I'd love to see yah if you're in the area 🚗📚
Record-high prices for beef in the grocery store, record-high profits for the world's largest beef packer.
JBS turns Q2 profit despite challenging operating environment
JBS , the world's largest meat company, on Wednesday posted record quarterly net revenues of nearly $21 billion even as it navigates a challenging U.S. cattle cycle and deals with global geopolitical tensions, according to an earnings release.
www.reuters.com
August 22, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Record-high prices for beef in the grocery store, record-high profits for the world's largest beef packer.
The McCloskeys run Fair Oaks Farms, an interactive “Dairy Disneyland” that also houses a factory farm with around 37k cows — producing enough milk for four million school milk cartons, every, single day, Frerick says in the documentary.
New piece by @ninaelkadi.com
New piece by @ninaelkadi.com
‘The Price of Milk’ Aims to Expose Big Dairy
The new docuseries digs into the dairy industry’s widespread influence in America.
sentientmedia.org
August 7, 2025 at 6:22 PM
The McCloskeys run Fair Oaks Farms, an interactive “Dairy Disneyland” that also houses a factory farm with around 37k cows — producing enough milk for four million school milk cartons, every, single day, Frerick says in the documentary.
New piece by @ninaelkadi.com
New piece by @ninaelkadi.com
“ My book is called Barons and that’s intentional, like I’m playing off robber barons,” he says. “I’m harkening back to a previous moment in American history and part of that is to show people we’ve been here before, we know what to do."
We Never Left Upton Sinclair’s Jungle
In 1905, Upton Sinclair documented the horrors workers in America’s slaughterhouses and meatpacking plants were forced to deal with. In 2025, Donald Trump is making them worse.
www.currentaffairs.org
August 7, 2025 at 5:35 PM
“ My book is called Barons and that’s intentional, like I’m playing off robber barons,” he says. “I’m harkening back to a previous moment in American history and part of that is to show people we’ve been here before, we know what to do."
Special thanks to the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance and Republican Senator Lois Kolkhorst for inviting me to present Barons at Texas State University and the Texas State Capitol (talk about timing).
August 6, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Special thanks to the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance and Republican Senator Lois Kolkhorst for inviting me to present Barons at Texas State University and the Texas State Capitol (talk about timing).
New Review: Journal of Economic Literature
“Explores how a series of powerful actors in the American food industry built their empires by taking advantage of deregulation and promoting a radical laissez-faire ideology, highlighting the effects on workers, families, and communities.”
“Explores how a series of powerful actors in the American food industry built their empires by taking advantage of deregulation and promoting a radical laissez-faire ideology, highlighting the effects on workers, families, and communities.”
August 2, 2025 at 12:37 PM
New Review: Journal of Economic Literature
“Explores how a series of powerful actors in the American food industry built their empires by taking advantage of deregulation and promoting a radical laissez-faire ideology, highlighting the effects on workers, families, and communities.”
“Explores how a series of powerful actors in the American food industry built their empires by taking advantage of deregulation and promoting a radical laissez-faire ideology, highlighting the effects on workers, families, and communities.”
I spoke with @vox.com about the rampant animal abuse scandals at @fairlife.com
"This is just the one classic textbook example of why self-policing just fails,” Frerick said... The story here, he added, “is the failure of regulators."
"This is just the one classic textbook example of why self-policing just fails,” Frerick said... The story here, he added, “is the failure of regulators."
The terrifying reality behind one of America’s fastest-growing dairy brands
The dark side of Fairlife — and America’s protein craze.
www.vox.com
July 31, 2025 at 5:08 PM
I spoke with @vox.com about the rampant animal abuse scandals at @fairlife.com
"This is just the one classic textbook example of why self-policing just fails,” Frerick said... The story here, he added, “is the failure of regulators."
"This is just the one classic textbook example of why self-policing just fails,” Frerick said... The story here, he added, “is the failure of regulators."