Tyson Fresh Meats Holcomb, KS Plant Fire

LINCOLN, NE (August 14, 2019) - On Friday, August 9, the Tyson Foods beef processing plant located in Holcomb, Kansas suffered substantial fire damage. The Holcomb plant is significant in the beef value chain - contributing roughly 5.2% of weekly beef steer and heifer slaughter capacity.  Tyson has pledged to repair the plant at the same location, and officials are currently assessing the damage as the clean-up process begins. At this time, it is unknown as to when the plant will be fully operational again. Tyson has stated that they will use their other plants in the region (Amarillo, Texas; Lexington, Nebraska; Dakota City, Nebraska; and Joslin, Illinois) in attempt to keep their supply chain full.  

"Nebraska Cattlemen encourages Tyson as well as other participants in the packing industry to publish plans on maximizing production schedules in hopes to minimize uncertainties and help stabilize markets throughout the beef production chain. We feel this is critical to our members especially with the difficult year we have had. Producers should not have to endure the total cost of this unfortunate fire in Holcomb. The longer uncertainties are allowed to linger, the more costly it will become for all segments of our industry - all of whom have already been shaken by extremely devastating weather events. Positively, consumer demand for beef remains very strong in both the domestic and foreign markets. Moving forward we will continue to be in contact with Tyson as well as all of our elected officials in Washington DC, keeping them updated and aware of this situation and the potential implications it may have for our producers." - Nebraska Cattlemen President Mike Drinnin.