Tyson Foods publicly contradicted U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. The contradiction concerns the sale of Tyson's recently closed beef plants. Secretary Rollins claimed at the Farm Progress Show that Tyson CEO Donnie King verbally committed to selling these facilities only to American-owned companies or producers.
Tyson responded its position remains unchanged. The company is open to selling the plants to any interested buyer, foreign or domestic.
This dispute highlights growing tensions between the government and major meatpackers. These tensions involve industry consolidation, foreign ownership, and high beef prices.
Last month, Tyson announced it would close or sell three U.S. beef plants. The company cited deepening financial losses in its beef business.