Summary of Austin Frerick's Barons

Barons (2024) examines the rise of seven corporate giants in the food industry. Agricultural and antitrust policy expert Austin Frerick profiles powerful figures such as Jeff and Deb Hansen, who built a hog empire, and the Cargill-MacMillan family, who benefited from farm subsidies. These barons illustrate how deregulation and policy changes have concentrated power in the food industry, impacting workers, communities, and the environment. Frerick calls for policy changes to reinvigorate antitrust laws, support local and sustainable food producers, and ensure fair wages and safe conditions for workers. He aims to spark a conversation about the American food system and its societal impact.