Farm advocates say price gouging on meat and poultry are taking a toll on Montanans.

A farm group cites U.S. Department of Agriculture data as proof of corporate greed, and says companies are still using supply-chain issues as an excuse for inflated prices.

Companies faced massive supply-chain disruptions during the pandemic. But Ag Department data show most of those problems are gone - and food prices in Montana haven't dropped.

Groceries here are 5% higher than the national average and egg prices are up 50% since last year, according to the Consumer Price Index.

Joe Maxwell, chief strategy officer with Farm Action, said food producers are looking for ways to keep prices artificially inflated.

"And it's just a part of their doing business now," said Maxwell. "They find excuses in the markets to gouge that consumer. And one thing we want to be very clear on is that the consumer knows it's not the farmer. The farmer's getting squeezed just as much as is the consumer."

Food producers have blamed the supply chain, but also plant closures and a strain of avian flu for supply and demand issues - driving up production costs.

Farm Action is the same group which, not long after the official end of the pandemic, asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate egg prices - which had tripled in some cases.

Maxwell said Ag Department data show the numbers did not justify the price hike, and adds corporate food producers have positioned themselves to have outsize control over the market.

"They've got that control over the farmer, not unlike oil companies have over oil fields," said Maxwell. "They now have that control because there are very few buyers of farmers' commodities, so they have that control over the farmer, the producer."

Farm Action has also been critical of large, corporate operations that raise thousands of animals in confined spaces, which have been known to pollute air and groundwater.





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If your holiday shopping list is far from complete, consumer advocates in Nebraska hope you don't ignore warning signs of scams in the rush to buy gifts.

In a digital world, there are always new things to pay attention to.

Over the past few years, shoppers have been warned about avoiding gift card scams, or not falling prey to phony texts about a shipment delay.

Jina Ragland - associate state director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Nebraska - said the emergence of cryptocurrency in the online trading world presents another challenge, including during the holiday shopping crunch.

"Scammers and fraudsters are using the same types of scams that they've used in the past," said Ragland, "but they're now soliciting people to pay them through the cryptocurrency ATMs, using things such as bitcoins and that."

AARP says if you're directed to send someone money by converting cash to cryptocurrency at a convenience store kiosk, it's a scam.

As for other tips, experts note scammers can tamper with gift cards on store racks and steal the funds when the card is activated.

They say it's best to ask for a gift card sold behind the counter. They also advise regularly updating software on your electronic devices for additional fraud protection.

Ragland said if you get a call from someone initiating a scam about a purchase you never made, asking for a call-back number will quickly get their attention.

"Typically, you will find if you do ask for a call-back number, they're going to hang up on you immediately," said Ragland, "because they've not gotten what they need and they want it, and they know you're on to them. "

Overall, Ragland said a key thing to remember is, if you see an online ad for something that appears too good to be true in terms of price, it's usually a fishy deal.

Shoppers are also encouraged to take advantage of tracking information and other shipping supplier services, and to schedule deliveries for when you or someone you trust is present to receive them.

Arizona ratepayers could end up paying more for utilities if state regulators decide to change the ratemaking process.

The Arizona Corporation Commission is set to vote on a proposed policy statement today, which would allow Arizona utilities to move from a historical "test year" model to a formula rate plan. A formula rate plan is used to adjust a utility's base rates outside a general rate case, many times because of increases in the average cost of utility service.

Diane Brown, executive director, Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, called the proposed change "seismic," and is concerned ratepayers could experience "higher utility bill aftershocks on an annual basis," as a result.

"There appears to be a full-court press to approve a policy statement that essentially upends a long-standing ratemaking process without providing the necessary time and attention to details," Brown contended.

Supporters of formula rate plans said they can help stabilize a utility's rate of return without a full rate case review. Brown argued ratepayers in states using formula rate plans have experienced "higher costs alongside decreased transparency and less opportunities for public engagement." Groups are calling on the commission to grant more time for the decision, to allow experts and consumers a chance to weigh in.

Consumer groups believe the proposed policy statement, which was made public late last month, has been rushed for a vote. Brown argued there is no need to change a system that has worked well, for one lacking specificity, which could usher in unintended effects.

"The commission should slow down the significant shift in ratemaking by addressing questions and requests that stakeholders have presented to commissioners and staff," Brown asserted.

The commission countered stakeholders have had enough time to voice their opinions following workshops held in March and October of this year on the issue, all in an effort to provide Arizonans with reliable service and predictability in utility costs.

When surveyed, 77% of Americans prefer to buy goods made in the United States, especially during holidays, and 82% said they would buy more if available.

A new poll from the American Alliance for Manufacturing conducted the survey.

According to Amazon's Small Business Impact report, independent sellers in Kentucky sold more than 22 million items last year. But despite a strong consumer preference, online retailers are not required to provide country-of-origin labeling.

Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, said while U.S.-made gifts may have a slightly higher price tag, they do not come with ethical baggage as some items made in other countries.

"There's no tariffs paid on them. They're not necessarily subject to inspection," Paul outlined. "We know from reports that a lot of them are not made particularly well, that have some toxins in them, and may come from supply chains that have forced labor. "

Around 20% of holiday shoppers will use Chinese apps such as TikTok and Temu this holiday season. The Alliance's online 2024 Holiday Gift Guide lists products from more than 100 manufacturers and makers from all 50 states.

Paul pointed out shoppers have a variety of reasons for seeking out U.S.-made products ranging from sustainability to ethical supply chains. He noted three in five Americans said they have made a conscious effort to buy American-made products in the past year.

"It could be about patriotism and supporting local jobs but whatever the reason for it, it's actually something that I think unites a lot of people in our country," Paul asserted. "That's really important, especially as we get closer to the holidays."

More than 363,000 small businesses operate in Kentucky, employing 42% of workers in the Commonwealth, according to federal data.