Tyson Beef Struggles While Other Segments Lift Second Quarter Results

Tyson is still reshaping its beef footprint.

The raw meat packer and the slaughterer work in the slaughterhouse. By EmmaStock.png

The raw meat packer and the slaughterer work in the slaughterhouse.

By EmmaStock

Photo by EmmaStock via Adobe Stock

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Tyson Foods posted stronger second-quarter results overall, but beef remained the company’s weak spot as tight cattle supplies and high livestock costs continued to pressure margins.

Tyson said second-quarter sales rose to $13.65 billion, while it still expects its beef segment to post an adjusted operating loss of $350 million to $500 million in fiscal 2026.

19297661-g.jpeg

Tyson Foods

The company’s better-performing protein businesses helped offset that drag. Tyson expects fiscal 2026 adjusted operating income of $250 million to $300 million in pork, $1.9 billion to $2.05 billion in chicken, and $1.25 billion to $1.35 billion in Prepared Foods.

Management credited chicken and prepared foods with driving momentum and market-share gains in the quarter.

Tyson is also still reshaping its beef footprint. In November, the company said it would close its Lexington, Nebraska, beef plant and convert its Amarillo, Texas, facility to a single full-capacity shift while increasing output at other plants.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Tyson’s second-quarter results showed how hard it is to process beef profitably — even as pork, chicken, and prepared foods perform better.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist

Related Stories
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
This year at CattleCon 2026, RFD Network’s Kirbe Schnoor caught up with Donna Emick from Pneu-Dart to get her perspective on why education, safety, and accountability matter in the field.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses how tensions in the Middle East are impacting producer’s spring planting decisions.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and the potential impact on agriculture as farmers navigate ongoing global uncertainty.
Strong exports support cattle and hog market fundamentals.
Rising protein demand supports long-term trade in feed and meat.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Strong corn and China-driven demand support the pace of U.S. grain exports. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses Canada-China agricultural trade talks.
Tight global supply is likely to keep fuel and fertilizer costs elevated.
Improving dairy prices could support stronger milk checks later this year.
Smaller beekeepers may find opportunities despite ongoing colony health challenges.
Technology returns depend on management, not just adoption.
The sugar policy debate affects prices, trade, and farm stability.