The document discusses the declining fortunes of farmers and ranchers in the beef industry due to consolidation and control by large meatpacking companies. It notes that over the last 20 years, about half a million ranchers have quit the business as they receive stagnant beef prices while land and input costs rise. The meatpacking industry earns high returns while most farmers operate at a loss. The solution proposed is to restore connections between producers and consumers by establishing local and humane slaughter and processing systems to reduce farmer exploitation by "Big Food."