Tyson Foods Announces Restructuring That Affects Amarillo
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller responded Thursday to Tyson Foods’ announcement that it is restructuring its U.S. beef operations amid historically tight cattle supplies, warning that the move demonstrates the mounting consequences of America’s shrinking cattle herd and prolonged disruptions to cattle trade with Mexico. While welcoming Tyson’s continued investment in its Amarillo facility, Commissioner Miller said the federal government’s extended shutdown of cattle imports at the southern border has further strained feedlots, processors, producers, and rural communities at a time when the industry can least afford it.
Shutting down cattle trade with Mexico was never a substitute for an aggressive strategy to eradicate the New World screwworm. The cattle industry has paid the economic price of a closed border, disrupted a cattle supply chain built over generations and screwworm still made it into the United States.
Tyson is doubling down on its Amarillo facility and plans to bring a second shift back online as cattle become available. That is a strong vote of confidence in Texas cattle, Texas producers, and the Panhandle’s role as the beating heart of America’s beef industry.