AMARILLO, TEXAS (RFD-TV) — Tyson Foods plans to restore a full second production shift at its Amarillo beef plant by summer 2027 while developing a long-term cattle-supply partnership with Allied Beef Company, potentially increasing competition for a limited supply of fed cattle.
Tyson says Allied Beef represents a consortium of American ranchers and would work directly with the company to strengthen its domestic cattle supply. Tyson has already begun restoring selected second-shift operations at Amarillo and expects the shift to be fully operational by next summer.
The announcement follows separate reporting that Tyson intends to increase beef processing after a period of production cuts. More slaughter capacity could become supportive for fed cattle prices if packers need to compete more aggressively for available market-ready cattle.
The near-term cattle-market impact remains uncertain. Tyson and Allied Beef did not disclose expected cattle volumes, participating rancher numbers, or a specific procurement timetable beyond the Amarillo production target.
The move comes as the beef industry continues operating with historically tight cattle supplies, making reliable procurement increasingly important for processors trying to maintain plant utilization.
