Tyson Foods closes Illinois plant, cutting 2,500 jobs

Tyson Foods has announced the closure of its beef processing plant in Joslin, Illinois, resulting in the loss of approximately 2,500 union jobs. Employees were notified of the shutdown with little warning, with many finishing their duties immediately following the announcement.

The company described the move as a strategic restructuring necessitated by a significant national cattle shortage. Tyson cited federal data indicating that the U.S. cattle herd is at its smallest size in roughly 75 years, driven by limited heifer retention.

In addition to the Joslin closure, Tyson plans to shut down a case-ready beef and pork facility in Eagle Mountain, Utah, and intends to sell its plant in Pasco, Washington. The company's beef operations will consolidate around facilities in Dakota City, Nebraska, Holcomb, Kansas, and Amarillo, Texas.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin expressed regret over the decision, calling the news devastating for experienced workers and noting the economic impact on Illinois families facing high living costs.