Thousands of JBS Workers Begin to Strike in Colorado as They Urge for Better Pay and Benefits

Thousands of workers at one of the country’s largest beef processing plants are on the picket line this morning.

3,800 at the JBS plant in Greely, Colorado have walked off the job. Union officials say talks have been underway since July, but note they have hit a stalemate. Workers are calling for better safety protocols, pay, and healthcare costs.

Traders have been watching negotiations closely since contracts there expired last summer, and they warn that plant may never see production again.

“3,800 workers will be displaced as they go on strike, and there’s a lot of talk that plant may not open again. They may just shift and divert slaughter to another facility and they may not ever open this plant, unfortunately,” said Brian Hoops with Midwest Market Solutions.

Hoops says this strike opens the door for JBS to relocate to a state that is considered more business-friendly.

“You hear a lot of businesses moving out of Florida or state of Washington, California, certainly into more tax-friendly states like Texas, Florida. Maybe JBS is looking at this as an opportunity to relocate, like you said, down into Texas. Of course, South Dakota has no income tax, and I believe Missouri is going in that direction as well back in 2027.”

Related Stories
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
Tennessee Rep. John Rose joined us to pay tribute to his friend and colleague, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a true Champion of Rural America.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030.
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal insight and context on these issues facing agriculture. Today, he discusses pesticide litigation.
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance shares risk-reduction strategies to help cattle producers prepare for a successful year ahead.
Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer discusses the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to step in, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region.