Tyson Foods Disputes USDA Claim on Plant Sales

Tyson Foods has disputed assertions made by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins regarding the sale of its recently closed beef processing plants. During the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, Rollins claimed that Tyson CEO Donnie King verbally committed to selling the facilities exclusively to American-owned companies or producers.

Tyson countered the secretary's claim, stating the company would sell the plants to any buyer regardless of whether they are domestic or foreign. This disagreement emerges during a period of record beef prices and heightened political sensitivity leading up to the November midterm elections.

The administration of President Donald Trump has expressed concerns over foreign ownership of U.S. beef processing. However, the administration simultaneously allowed 300,000 metric tonnes of foreign beef to enter the U.S. at reduced tariffs for a 90-day period, a move that has caused friction with ranchers and industry groups. In response to industry pressures, the USDA has introduced a support plan that includes expanded grazing land and loans for small processors.