WASHINGTON — On Aug. 13, Tyson Foods announced it will end operations at its Joslin, Ill., beef facility and its Eagle Mountain, Utah, case-ready facility. Additionally, Tyson Foods is pursuing the sale of its Pasco, Wash., beef facility. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall issued the following statement in response:
“NCBA is troubled by the closure of the Joslin beef processing facility. For many years, the plant has played a vital role in the Midwest beef supply chain, and its closure will significantly impact cattle producers, employees, and rural communities across the region. We encourage Tyson to work closely with its longstanding customers to identify alternative marketing opportunities for their cattle.
“Tyson Foods’ Pasco, Washington, beef processing facility is also critical for cattle producers in the Northwest, and we appreciate the company’s commitment to seek a buyer rather than pursuing an outright closure.
“These decisions underscore the significant challenges that historically-low cattle inventories continue to create across the beef cattle industry. While we are disappointed by these developments, they also reinforce the importance of rebuilding the nation’s cow herd and maintaining adequate processing capacity to support cattle producers, strengthen market opportunities, and ensure a resilient beef supply chain for the future.”
Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President Josh St. Peters echoed NCBA concerns regarding the closure of the beef processing plant in Joslin:
“The Illinois Beef Association is deeply disappointed by Tyson Foods’ sudden decision to close its processing facility in Joslin. For decades, the Rock Island County plant has served as a critical market for family farmers and has been an important economic driver for rural Illinois. This abrupt closure creates significant challenges for hundreds of producers who relied on the plant to market cattle, while also impacting 2,500 employees, countless local businesses, and the broader regional economy.
“While Illinois beef producers look to invest in their operations and play a role in rebuilding the nation’s cow herd, the loss of this major processing facility in our state creates additional uncertainty by reducing market access and increasing transportation and marketing costs. Our Association is here to work closely with affected producers and industry partners to identify alternative marketing opportunities and explore any options that could keep the facility operating.
“This announcement underscores the importance of maintaining a strong and competitive beef sector. Adequate processing capacity is critical to ensuring reliable market access for Illinois’ farm families and strengthening the long-term resilience of the beef supply chain.”
— National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Illinois Beef Association