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
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
February 10, 2026 03:57 PM
·
Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
February 10, 2026 02:27 PM
·
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
February 10, 2026 01:35 PM
·
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey was in Mission, Texas, where state and federal officials addressed growers and producers at a round table event hosted at a citrus grower’s facility. He shows us how welcome news was all around.
February 10, 2026 12:05 PM
·
A transition from traditional, technology-specific subsidies toward a performance-based, technology-neutral framework
February 10, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Nationwide highlights expanded insurance options for cattle operations and their company initiatives to promote grain bin safety and support women in agriculture.
February 09, 2026 02:58 PM
·
