AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association has been in contact with Tyson leadership following the fire on Friday at the Holcomb, Kansas plant.
The plant had a capacity of about 6,000 head per day, or approximately 6% of the U.S. total fed cattle slaughter capacity. Tyson is working to absorb the displaced cattle by increasing slaughter at its other facilities to keep the markets current. ICA encourages Tyson and other beef processors to explore all options possible to keep cattle processing current.
Unfortunately, the Denison plant no longer contains the equipment needed for slaughter.
Cattle markets have already responded to the news of the fire, but the long-term impact on the cattle industry remains to be seen.
— Iowa Cattlemen’s Association
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