3 September 2026
Livestock – US beef crisis puts supply chain under pressure
In the US, the beef crisis is putting the supply chain under pressure. The issue is becoming increasingly thorny, also penalizing consumers who see skyrocketing meat prices. This is because the national livestock population is at its lowest level in 75 years. Meat processing companies are reporting losses and closing plants because the rising costs of purchasing livestock are outpacing the price of meat. President Donald Trump has intervened directly on the issue , but……by La Conceria.
The beef crisis worsens
On August 3, Tyson reported that losses in its beef sector would widen. From an adjusted operating loss of $350-$500 million, the loss estimate rose to $500-$650 million for fiscal year 2026. A few days later, the same company announced the closure and/or sale of three beef processing and packing plants. Specifically, the company will cease operations in Joslin, Illinois, and Eagle Mountain, Utah, and will sell its Pasco, Washington, plant. Operations at these three sites will be relocated to Dakota City, Nebraska, Holcomb, Kansas, and Amarillo, Texas. “We are experiencing one of the most severe cattle shortages in our country’s history, and now we are seeing the consequences ripple through the entire beef supply chain,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller told Reuters.
Attention Trump
US President Donald Trump has been following this issue for some time. On Wednesday, August 26, he told American commentator Glenn Beck that he would examine whether there is indeed too much red tape at beef processing plants. This red tape hinders farmers and smaller ranchers who want to handle slaughter themselves. This statement follows another statement a week earlier, according to which Trump himself would like to temporarily ease tariffs on some beef imports to try to reduce meat prices. This statement, Reuters points out, has been harshly criticized by agricultural associations, including the main agricultural lobby, the American Farm Bureau Federation. There is good news. Cargill plans to resume beef production at its Fort Morgan (Colorado) plant in September. Production has been halted since April due to a labor dispute, which was resolved by a vote of unionized workers. Reuters reports.
