Tyson Foods shuts two plants and eyes sale of a third amid severe cattle shortage

Tyson Foods announced a strategic overhaul of its beef business, driven by what it describes as one of the most historic cattle shortages the nation has faced. The firm will shut its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing plant and the Eagle Mountain, Utah, case-ready facility, and is actively seeking a purchaser for its Pasco, Washington, beef site. The company intends to focus its operations around three centrally located plants in Dakota City, Nebraska; Holcomb, Kansas; and Amarillo, Texas, to strengthen its competitive position.

Recent USDA cattle inventory data, highlighting limited heifer retention, underpins the decision, suggesting the supply constraints will continue. Tyson said it will assist affected employees in applying for jobs at its other facilities. The move reflects a broader effort to adapt to persistent supply-side challenges in the beef market.