Tyson Foods beef plant closures come as severe drought makes U.S. cattle shortages worse

This week, Tyson Foods announced that it is restructuring its beef business, closing or selling three of its facilities as it deals with “one of the most historic cattle shortages the country has ever experienced.” U.S. cattle herd levels are among the lowest seen in 75 years, a shortage that has been exacerbated by a range of impacts. For instance, there’s been a screwworm outbreak, prompting a shutdown of cattle trade with Mexico. Rising operational costs and consolidation across the beef…