Tyson Foods to Close Lexington, Nebraska Beef Facility in Early 2026
Late last week, Tyson Foods announced a major restructuring decision that will significantly affect its operations and the community of Lexington, Nebraska. The company will close its Lexington beef facility beginning in early 2026 as part of a broader effort to “right size its beef business and position it for long-term success.”
In its announcement, Tyson Foods explained, “To meet customer demand, production will be increased at other company beef facilities, optimizing volumes across our network. Tyson Foods recognizes the impact these decisions have on team members and the communities where we operate. The company is committed to supporting our team members through this transition, including helping them apply for open positions at other facilities and providing relocation benefits.”
The Lexington facility is a cornerstone of the local economy, serving as the single largest employer in the community. Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer expressed deep concern about the closure’s impact, stating, “I am extremely disappointed by this news from Tyson today. As the single largest employer in Lexington, Tyson’s announcement will have a devastating impact on a truly wonderful community, the region, and our state. Nebraskans are nothing if not resilient, and Lexington has a robust workforce. I hope their skill and experience will be sought after by other employers.”
Sen. Fischer also highlighted the broader cattle market context, adding, “Nebraska is the beef state, and we know better than anyone the highs and lows of the cattle market. It’s no secret that just a few years ago, packers like Tyson were making windfall profits while the rest of the industry was continuously in the red. As we head into the holiday season, I call on Tyson to do everything in its power to take care of the families affected by this short-sighted decision.”
In addition to the Lexington closure, Tyson Foods announced operational changes elsewhere, including shifting its Amarillo, Texas beef facility to a single, full-capacity shift. The restructuring reflects the company’s ongoing effort to balance supply, demand, and long-term strategic goals within the beef sector.
As the transition unfolds, both employees and the Lexington community brace for significant change, while state leaders continue to advocate for support and economic resilience.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.