Story perspectives

Tyson Foods Closes Illinois, Utah Plants, Cutting 3,300 Jobs

8/14/2026

Summary

Tyson Plant Closures

Tyson Foods will close its Joslin, Illinois, plant and Eagle Mountain, Utah, facility.
The closures affect 2,500 Joslin workers and 800-1,200 Utah jobs with a $300 million investment.
USDA data on limited heifer retention and a cattle shortage led Tyson to report a $138 million loss ended June 27 and forecast $500 million-$650 million in losses.
Tyson will shift capacity to Dakota City, Nebraska; Holcomb, Kansas; and Amarillo, Texas, adding a shift at Amarillo.

Summary

Illinois Officials Convene

Illinois officials announced a town-hall on Aug. 31 in Port Byron for residents affected by the plant closure.
Union representatives warned the shutdown will cut about 2,500 skilled union jobs in the region.
Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth called the loss “devastating” for families facing rising living costs.
Rep. Ryan Spain said terminated workers will receive 60-day pay and urged state agencies to offer transition help.

History

Historical Context

After the USDA barred mammalian by-products in ruminant feed in 1997, the United States recorded its first BSE case in 2003, leading 65 nations to restrict U.S. beef imports. By May 2023 the agency noted its seventh BSE detection. Now Tyson Foods plans to close plants in Joslin, Illinois and Eagle Mountain, Utah, risking up to 3,700 jobs.

1 of 3

Tyson Plant Closures

Tyson Foods will close its Joslin, Illinois, plant and Eagle Mountain, Utah, facility.
The closures affect 2,500 Joslin workers and 800-1,200 Utah jobs with a $300 million investment.
USDA data on limited heifer retention and a cattle shortage led Tyson to report a $138 million loss ended June 27 and forecast $500 million-$650 million in losses.
Tyson will shift capacity to Dakota City, Nebraska; Holcomb, Kansas; and Amarillo, Texas, adding a shift at Amarillo.

1 / 3