Tyson Cuts 3,200 Jobs Amid Historic US Cattle Shortage

Tyson Foods is closing two major beef processing plants in Illinois and Utah, eliminating more than 3,200 jobs as the company restructures its operations in response to a historic national cattle shortage. The Springdale, Arkansas-based meat processing giant announced the closures on August 13, 2026, detailing plans to lay off approximately 2,500 workers at its Joslin, Illinois, facility and 723 employees at its Eagle Mountain, Utah, plant. The company also said it would seek a buyer for a third beef facility in Pasco, Washington, rather than close it.

The decision comes as the U.S. cattle herd has fallen to 86.2 million head as of January 1, 2026, near its lowest level in 75 years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This prolonged shortage has squeezed processing margins and forced industry-wide consolidation. Tyson said it will anchor its remaining beef operations around three core facilities in Dakota City, Nebraska; Holcomb, Kansas; and Amarillo, Texas, creating what it described as a more competitive operating footprint.

Employees at the Joslin plant were notified on August 13 that their duties would end that Thursday or Friday, with pay continuing through...