Springdale, Ark – Tyson Foods today announced network changes that will result in the closure of its Lexington plant. Tyson states in a press release the change is 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.
The statement provided states that Tyson Foods recognizes the impact these decisions have on team members and the communities where we operate. The company says they are committed to supporting their team members through the transition, including helping them apply for open positions at other facilities and providing relocation benefits.
In a letter to the Nebraska Department of Labor pursuant to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act), Tyson stated that the mass layoff is expected to occur on or around January 20 of 2026. On the Department of Labor’s WARN listing page, the Tyson shutdown in Lexington is shown to affect 3,212 jobs.
In a statement, Senator Pete Rickets said, “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.”
Governor Jim Pillen’s office released comments stating, “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.”
Tyson states, with these changes, that they are ensuring that it will continue to deliver high-quality, affordable, and nutritious protein for generations to come.
On November 24, Adams Land and Cattle CEO Abram Babcock released the following statement: “We do not anticipate any disruption to our day-to-day work, as we have a location lined up to harvest our cattle. Our thoughts go out to the Lexington community.”
More on this story as it develops on SandhillsExpress.com.
