Tyson to close four cattle plants.(Brief Article)

Pro Farmer, January, 2005

In the June 19, 2004, Pro Farmer, we provided perspective from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) that said the loss of Canadian slaughter cattle would cause excess slaughter capacity in the States.

Mark that one down as a "bull's eye" for NCBA. Overcapacity is the reason Tyson Foods is closing plants Jan. 10 in Denison, Iowa; Norfolk and West Point, Neb.; and Boise, Idaho. Tyson will also slow kills in Pasco, Washington.

In last June's analysis, NCBA said total beef and cattle imports from Canada cost U.S. producers a net $4.82 to $5.79 per hundredweight. NCBA also noted that regaining lost U.S. export markets would more than offset the negative price impact from Canadian trade.