Tyson disputes claim by USDA’s Rollins, says shuttered beef plants can go to any buyer

U.S. meatpacker Tyson Foods has refuted claims made by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins that the company would only sell its recently closed beef plants to American-owned companies or producers. Rollins made the statement during her address at the annual Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, addressing high beef prices, industry consolidation, and foreign ownership of U.S. beef plants.

Tyson's spokesperson clarified that the company's stance has not changed, and it is willing to sell the closed plants to any buyer, be they foreign or domestic. The dispute highlights the tensions between President Donald Trump's administration and the meatpacking industry over who controls U.S. beef processing. Foreign-owned companies currently handle a significant portion of slaughter capacity, and record beef prices have become a contentious issue during this election year.

Rollins had reportedly secured a verbal commitment from Tyson CEO Donnie King, stating that the company would ensure the closed plants would go to American-owned companies or producers. However, Tyson has now disputed this claim, reinforcing the ongoing disagreements between the administration and the industry over control of U.S. beef processing.