Tyson disputes USDA’s Rollins, says closed beef plants can be sold to any buyer

• Rollins stated Tyson CEO Donnie King gave a verbal commitment to sell closed plants only to American-owned companies or cooperatives, but Tyson immediately disputed this, saying the plants remain for sale to any buyer, foreign or domestic
• Foreign-owned firms JBS USA (Brazilian-owned) and National Beef (controlled by Brazil's Marfrig) already control a significant portion of the U.S. beef processing market, with four companies handling about 85% of grain-fattened cattle processing
• The dispute occurs amid record-high beef prices due to tight cattle supplies and follows Trump's controversial decision last month to allow 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef at reduced tariff rates for 90 days before the election

Summary

Key Dispute:

Tyson Foods publicly contradicted USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins' claim that the meatpacker committed to selling its recently closed beef plants exclusively to American-owned companies. Tyson maintains the facilities remain available to "any able buyer, foreign or domestic."

Background:

The dispute emerged during Rollins' remarks at Iowa's Farm Progress Show on September 1, 2026, where she addressed high beef prices and industry consolidation. Rollins stated Tyson CEO Donnie King verbally committed to selling only to American-owned firms or cooperatives following the company's August announcement of closing or selling three U.S. beef plants and packaging sites due to deepening losses.

Market Context:

• Four companies—Tyson, Cargill, JBS USA, and National Beef Packing—control approximately 85% of U.S. grain-fattened cattle processing
• JBS USA is Brazilian-owned; National Beef is controlled by Brazil's Marfrig Global Foods
• Beef prices hit record highs in 2026 due to historically tight cattle supplies
• The issue has become politically sensitive ahead of November midterm elections

Trump Administration Actions:

• President Trump previously accused meatpackers of price manipulation and ordered Justice Department investigations
• Last month announced allowing 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef at reduced tariffs for 90 days before elections, angering industry groups
• USDA announced new support measures including loans for small processors and expanded grazing access

Implications:

The public disagreement highlights tensions between the Trump administration and the meatpacking industry over foreign ownership concerns and beef supply control during a period of elevated consumer prices and political pressure.