Tyson to Close Lexington Plant/State Reaction
Official release:
Tyson Foods Announces Network Changes to Strengthen Long-Term Beef Business
Springdale, Arkansas – Nov. 21, 2025 – Tyson Foods today announced network changes designed to right size its beef business and position it for long-term success.
The company will end operations at its Lexington, Nebraska, beef facility and convert its Amarillo, Texas, beef facility to a single, full-capacity shift. To meet customer demand, production will be increased at other company beef facilities, optimizing volumes across our network.
Tyson Foods recognizes the impact these decisions have on team members and the communities where we operate. The company is committed to supporting our team members through this transition, including helping them apply for open positions at other facilities and providing relocation benefits.
With these changes, Tyson Foods is ensuring that it will continue to deliver high-quality, affordable, and nutritious protein for generations to come.
State Reactions:
Gov. Pillen Comments on Tyson Foods Plant Announcement
LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen released the following statement after Tyson Foods announced it is planning to wind down operations at its Lexington plant.
“Nebraska’s cattle industry is resilient and the envy of the world. And our workforce can outwork anybody. Big picture – our excellent cattlemen and cattle feeders have emerging opportunities and will still have the Tyson market to sell into as its planned re-organization will boost capacity and jobs at other Nebraska plants. Tyson leadership has also promised to continue to work on future value-added opportunities here in the state. The state of Nebraska is ready to build for the future and do what it can do to support employees affected by this change.”
Ricketts Releases Statement on Tyson Plant Closure in Lexington, NE
OMAHA, NE – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement after it was announced that Tyson Foods would close its Lexington plant:
“I will do everything I can to support the Nebraskans who are impacted by this decision. We must help them stay in our state and find work close to home. This news is especially heartbreaking around the holidays. I ask for Nebraskans to keep the community of Lexington in their prayers.”
Fischer Blasts Tyson Foods’ Decision to Close Beef Processing Plant in Lexington
Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after Tyson Foods announced it will close the beef processing plant located in Lexington:
“I am extremely disappointed by this news from Tyson today. As the single largest employer in Lexington, Tyson’s announcement will have a devastating impact on a truly wonderful community, the region, and our state. Nebraskans are nothing if not resilient, and Lexington has a robust workforce. I hope their skill and experience will be sought after by other employers.
“Nebraska is the beef state, and we know better than anyone the highs and lows of the cattle market. It’s no secret that just a few years ago, packers like Tyson were making windfall profits while the rest of the industry was continuously in the red.
“As we head into the holiday season, I call on Tyson to do everything in its power to take care of the families affected by this short-sighted decision.”
Smith Statement on Tyson Foods Announcement
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after Tyson Foods announced the impending closure of their Lexington, Nebraska, beef processing facility:
“Today’s announcement by Tyson Foods is a disappointing loss for Lexington, Dawson County, the region, and the cattle industry as a whole. Nebraska’s hard-working cattle producers are innovative and highly efficient as they work to provide high quality beef for consumers. As the Lexington community and Nebraska agriculture respond to this announcement I welcome input from producers and stand ready to assist as we all move forward.”