Perry, Iowa mayor remains optimistic following Tyson’s pork plant closure

The mayor of Perry, Iowa, has hope for a Tyson facility that is set to close and put 1,300 people out of work.

Perry Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh told a local radio station that he is confident a deal will materialize despite stalled negotiations with a potential buyer for the facility.

Cavanaugh also shared plans to take a delegation of impacted community members to visit Tyson’s Arkansas headquarters to find a resolution.

He said they need Tyson to allow someone else to come in and help their rural community. Perry, Iowa, is home to just under 8,000 people.

Related Stories
Meredith Petersen joined us to discuss the National Swine Health Strategy, how it was developed through industry collaboration, potential challenges ahead, and its expected benefits for pork producers.
K-State researchers advise producers to take action, highlighting that prevention is essential for controlling tick populations as cases spread West.
Florida’s import rule shows New World screwworm concerns are already affecting livestock movement and market conditions.
Lower slaughter numbers reduced 2025 red meat output even with heavier cattle and hogs.
Wilder Blue Ranch in Louisiana brings rare Clydesdale horses to the South, offering visitors a unique farm experience and hands-on ag education.
Feed demand and premiums drive growth for the crop

Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.