Tyson Foods closes three beef processing plants amid U.S. cattle shortage

Tyson Foods is closing three beef processing and packaging facilities in Eagle Mountain, Utah, Pasco, Washington, and Joslin, Illinois. The company cited restructuring of its beef operations, historically low cattle supplies, and losses in its beef business as primary drivers for the decision. Production will shift to facilities in Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas.

The closures occur as the U.S. cattle inventory reaches its lowest point in approximately 75 years. Experts suggest a combination of factors is pressuring the national beef supply, including prolonged drought—particularly in West Texas—rising feed expenses, and disruptions to cattle imports from the Mexican border.

In Illinois, State Senator Chris Balkema argued the Joslin plant closure highlights a need to improve the state's business climate, specifically criticizing energy policies like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) for potentially driving up costs. Meanwhile, economists warn that the reduction in processing capacity and the shrinking national herd could lead to increased transportation costs and higher beef prices for consumers.