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
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins signed six MAHA waivers for SNAP in Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
December 10, 2025 02:25 PM
·
Farm Journal Foundation Senior Policy Adviser Dr. Stephanie Mercier outlines new research on the top sixteen biosecurity threats in agriculture/
December 10, 2025 01:05 PM
·
Rancher David Kroa of
One Man Ranch joins us to share the story of his remarkable Shorthorn cow, Trish, who is beating the odds.
December 10, 2025 12:11 PM
·
Rural employers are slightly more optimistic, but labor shortages and renewed price pressures continue to limit growth across farm country according to a
December 10, 2025 11:56 AM
·
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland shares the soybean sector outlook following the announcement of farm aid to offset losses for U.S. row crop growers.
December 10, 2025 11:33 AM
·
Stable U.S. fundamentals continue for major crops, but global adjustments in corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton may influence early-2026 pricing.
December 10, 2025 10:31 AM
·
