Nebraska Cargill beef plant temporarily closed after fire (2014)

Cargill’s beef processing plant in Schuyler, Nebraska, closed early Thursday due to a fire and ammonia leak.

cargill logo 24663069-bg1.jpg

February 7, 2014

Cargill’s beef processing plant in Schuyler, Nebraska, closed early Thursday due to a fire and ammonia leak.

According to reports, the cause of the fire and leak is unknown, and damage to the facility is still being assessed.

The plant processes roughly 5,000 head of cattle a day.

A Cargill spokesman said the company was working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to determine when the plant can reopen, which could be as early as Friday.

Related Stories
“We believe that it is just a matter of days or weeks... before we see New World screwworm in Texas.”
Cindy Kovar with AgriSafe joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about road safety and agriculture as we age.
USMEF CEO Dan Halstrom joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report for his analysis on the U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, which includes big bucks for U.S. Beef.
Fewer cattle on feed suggest smaller slaughter numbers this winter, which could support strong prices if beef demand holds firm.
Dairy farmers are expected to face strong output and export gains, but lower prices and tighter margins will persist into next year.
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across each region of the United States for the week of Monday, September 22, 2025.
With the latest detection just across the border, animal health officials on both sides are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak before it spreads further north.
The USDA NASS report also confirms lower August placements.