MO Farmers Union President Addresses Imminent Poultry Plant Shutdowns

Two poultry plants in Southern Missouri are set to cease operations within the month, impacting thousands of jobs.  Missouri Farmers Union President Dr Tom Coudron notes that farmers who were providing poultry to the plants will feel the impact.

The closures were front-of-mind for several participants of last month’s National Farmers Union DC Fly-In, where they visited with lawmakers and USDA officials, including Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneau.  Coudron said USDA funds made available during the pandemic helped to increase local options for meat processing.

Tyson’s decision to close their plants in Dexter and Noel also drew the attention of Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley, who introduced legislation aimed at strengthening enforcement of antitrust laws on meatpackers and poultry processors.