08/17/2026
OCA continues to closely monitor updates on Tyson Foods' announced closure of its beef processing plant in Joslin, IL. Lindsey Hall, OCA president, issued the following statement:
“OCA is deeply disappointed by this announcement and concerned about what it means for Ohio’s cattle producers and the future of our region’s cattle industry.
This latest closure comes on the heels of the announced closure of the JBS beef processing facility in Souderton, PA. Together, these two facilities represent approximately 5,000 head of daily cattle harvest capacity. They have served as important market outlets for cattle producers in Ohio and throughout the Eastern Corn Belt, while also providing jobs and supporting the economic vitality of their surrounding communities.
The loss of this processing capacity will create significant challenges for producers who have relied on these facilities to market their cattle. Fewer regional marketing options can mean longer transportation distances, increased costs and greater uncertainty for producers at a time when our industry should be focused on encouraging investment and rebuilding the nation’s cattle herd.
We recognize the difficult economic realities facing the beef industry today. The U.S. cattle herd is at historically low levels, leaving the industry with more processing capacity than current cattle supplies can support. At the same time, rebuilding the cattle herd requires producers to have confidence that competitive and accessible markets will be there when they make the long-term investments necessary to grow their operations.
That is why the loss of another major processing facility serving our region is especially concerning. Once that processing capacity is lost, it can be difficult to replace.
We encourage Tyson Foods to work closely with affected cattle producers, employees and industry partners to identify alternative marketing opportunities and to fully explore options that could preserve this important processing capacity, including the potential sale of the facility to a qualified buyer.
Ohio cattle producers are resilient and committed to the future of our industry. OCA will continue working on behalf of our members to protect market access, promote competition and ensure Ohio cattle producers have the opportunity to grow and prosper.”
