Vacation revelers in search of a pleasant prime rib roast or different lower of beef on the grocery retailer to rejoice the season can be spending much more cash on that meal this 12 months as a beef scarcity continues to extend shopper prices.
A significant a part of the pricing drawback is the historic drop within the measurement of the U.S. cattle herd to an almost 75-year low. The nationwide cattle herd was 86.7 million head, as of Jan. 1, 2025, the smallest since 1951, the Texas Farm Bureau reported.
The cattle herd has declined in measurement from a number of years of drought, herd liquidation, and record-high feed prices, the bureau mentioned.
Rising beef costs in grocery shops could not see reduction anytime quickly, as a cattle scarcity has additionally compelled main meat-packing firms to downsize their operations and shut vegetation, additional impacting the meat provide and costs.
Tyson Meals closes Nebraska beef plant
Tyson Meals Inc. in November revealed that it’ll shut its beef processing plant in Lexington, Neb., in early 2026, however didn’t designate a particular deadline.
The Lexington facility, which has the capability to course of about 5,000 cattle a day, has reportedly been working at beneath capability in current months. The corporate plans to extend capability at different vegetation to keep up provide, Tyson mentioned.
“To meet customer demand, production will be increased at other company beef facilities, optimizing volumes across our network,” Tyson revealed in a press release. “With these changes, Tyson Foods is ensuring that it will continue to deliver high-quality, affordable and nutritious protein for generations to come.”
Tyson eliminates Texas beef plant employee shift
Tyson will not be rising the meat manufacturing at its Amarillo, Texas, plant as the corporate additionally mentioned in November that it’ll eradicate its second shift on the plant and convert the packing plant to a single, full-capacity shift, starting Jan. 20, 2026.
“Tyson Foods recognizes the impact these decisions have on team members and the communities where we operate,” the corporate mentioned within the assertion. “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.”
The Springdale, Arkansas, meat firm’s product manufacturers embody Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farms, Ball Park, Wright, State Truthful, Aidell’s, and ibp.
Tyson Meals product manufacturers
- Tyson
- Jimmy Dean
- Hillshire Farms
- Ball Park
- Wright
- State Truthful
- Aidell’s
- ibp.
Swift Beef Co. is closing its Riverside, Calif., meat-packing plant in early 2026.
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Swift Beef closes meat-packing plant
And now a significant competitor of Tyson Meals, JBS Meals’ subsidiary Swift Beef Co. is closing its meat packing facility in Riverside, Calif., and shedding 374 staff, the Los Angeles Instances reported.
Swift Beef issued 60-day Employee Adjustment and Retraining Notification notices to staff via the California Employment Improvement division on Dec. 4, with an anticipated closure by Feb. 2, 2026.
The Swift Beef Co. facility in Riverside prepares meat on the market in U.S. grocery shops however doesn’t slaughter animals, in keeping with a JBS spokesperson.
Swift Beef seeks to relocate staff
JBS mentioned that it’ll provide affected staff alternatives at different firm amenities and supply relocation help. Staff who select to not relocate can be terminated by Feb. 2, 2026.
“JBS is committed to supporting impacted team members through this transition,” a spokes person said in a statement. “The company remains focused on delivering high-quality products and dependable service while strengthening its operational footprint to meet evolving market demands.”
Extra closings:
- Informal Mexican restaurant chain closes extra areas
- 79-year-old nationwide trucking firm closes down, no chapter
- 65-year-old Residence Depot rival shutters enterprise completely
JBS Meals manufacturers embody Swift, Pilgrim’s, Primo, 1855, Nation Delight, Licensed Angus Beef, Clear River Farms, and Blue Ribbon.
JBS Meals manufacturers
- Swift
- Pilgrim’s
- Primo
- 1855
- Nation Delight
- Licensed Angus Beef
- Clear River Farms
- Blue Ribbon
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