CPM is investigating allegations of bid-rigging in the bovine artificial insemination market in the United States. Competing bovine artificial insemination firms—one of which CPM believes to be Select Sires—have allegedly conspired to rig bids for the purchase of Cattle (“Cattle” refers to all animals of the genus Bos and any oocytes of such animals or the opportunity to obtain such oocytes (e.g., in-vitro fertilization sessions)) used for the direct production of semen for sale and for the development of animals for future semen production between October 2018 and May 2024. This conspiracy allegedly impacted hard-working ranchers and farmers through their sales of Cattle in both public auctions and private sales.
Allegations Under Investigation
Bovine artificial insemination firms in the United States include Select Sires, STgenetics, URUS (which owns Alta, GENEX, and Trans Ova), and ABS Global. Bovine artificial insemination firms produce, market, and sell bovine semen for artificial insemination, research, and genomics. To conduct their business, these firms purchase Cattle from ranchers and farmers both for the direct production of semen and to breed Cattle for future semen production. Bovine artificial insemination firms acquire Cattle through several methods, including through direct purchases from farmers and ranchers (called “private sales”) and through competitive public auctions.
On August 6, 2026, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that a South Carolina manager of a bovine artificial insemination firm—which CPM believes to be Select Sires—pleaded guilty to rigging bids for the purchase of Cattle used either for the direct production of semen or for the development of animals for future semen production in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. Herbert D. Lutz of Chester, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to conspiring to rig bids between at least as early as October 2018 and at least as late as May 2024. Lutz is the first defendant to be charged and to plead guilty in the ongoing investigation into bid-rigging in the bovine artificial insemination industry.
CPM’s investigation focuses on claims that competing bovine artificial insemination firms agreed in advance which company would bid on cattle at public auction or private sale. The pre-selected losing co-conspirator firm would either refrain from bidding altogether or would submit an intentionally low bid before bowing out and allowing the agreed-upon winning firm to complete the purchase. The colluding firms allegedly communicated through correspondence and meetings to coordinate and ensure compliance with the bid-rigging scheme.
This conspiracy allegedly suppressed competition, deprived ranchers and farmers of the benefit of competitive bidding and enabled bovine artificial insemination firms to manipulate prices. Our investigation seeks to uncover the full scope of the alleged conduct and its economic impact on ranchers and farmers.
Seeking Ranchers and Farmers of Cattle
CPM is seeking to speak with ranchers and farmers who sold Cattle to Select Sires, STgenetics, URUS, Alta, GENEX, Trans Ova, ABS Global, or other bovine artificial insemination firms through public auctions or private sales from October 2018 through May 2024.
If you or your business sold cattle to a bovine artificial insemination firm, you could have potential antitrust claims as a prospective class member. If you believe you may have been affected, please complete the form below. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your potential participation and recovery.
