LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD-TV) — U.S. beef processors are navigating the tightest cattle supplies in decades, but Cargill says it has no plans to close any primary beef plants even as Tyson prepares to shut Lexington, Nebraska, and scale back Amarillo.
For producers, this signals widening differences in how major packers are responding to shrinking cattle numbers, rising procurement costs, and restricted imports from Mexico due to New World Screwworm controls.
Cargill confirmed it will continue operating all eight of its North American slaughter plants and is investing in modernization, including a $90 million upgrade at its Fort Morgan, Colorado, facility. The stance contrasts sharply with Tyson’s expected 7 percent national capacity reduction, which will narrow competitive bids in parts of Nebraska, Kansas, and the Texas Panhandle.
Other packers remain stable: JBS and National Beef report no pending closures, and several regional plants built after the pandemic continue running, though some operate below intended throughput. Looking ahead, tight feeder supplies may still pressure margins across plants through 2026.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Cargill’s commitment to keep plants open helps preserve competition as Tyson removes capacity amid historically tight cattle supplies.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
The Lexington shutdown pushes national slaughter capacity utilization nearer long-run averages, underscoring how tight cattle supplies are reshaping packer operations.
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