How Cattlemen Are Dealing with Plant Closure

A Drovers article

It’s been more than a month since Tyson Foods shut down its beef processing plant in Joslin, Ill., and for regional cattle feeders, the financial fallout has only deepened.

Third-generation producer Shannon Frankenreider owns a 1,200-head cattle confinement building in Annawan, Ill., manages more than 600 cows and farms in Henry and Bureau counties. The heart of his operation is about 25 miles from the shutdown plant in Joslin. He says if he sells animals today, he’s taking a pay cut.

“We were selling $261 [cwt.] fat cattle here a few months ago, and now we’re down to the high teens this week,” he says. “So we’re talking $600 a head off these fat cattle, so significant financial [loss].”

For the full article click here