Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says Tyson Foods has committed to selling its recently closed beef processing plants only to American buyers. Rollins made the comments during an appearance at the Farm Progress Show, saying consolidation in the meatpacking industry is making it more difficult to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd. “With the recent processing closure announcements by Tyson and by JBS, we are working hand in hand to make sure that we have buyers and people that can run those plants as the herd continues to build,” Rollins said. “I also have a commitment from the head of Tyson that those plants will not be sold to any foreign interests or foreign owners.” However, Tyson officials subsequently said the company’s position has not changed. Tyson says it will consider both domestic and foreign buyers for the closed facilities.
