Show-Me State Times

Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has expressed strong criticism towards Tyson Foods, accusing the company of attempting to silence local farmers who have filed a lawsuit following the closure and sale of a chicken plant in Dexter, Missouri. In a letter addressed to Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King, Senator Hawley stated, “You have previously stonewalled my efforts to learn the truth about your shutdown of poultry plants in Noel and Dexter, Missouri.” He added that the company's actions are "wrong and anti-American."

The lawsuit alleges that Tyson sold its closed Dexter plant to Cal-Maine Foods, which is not a competitor as it produces table eggs rather than processing broiler chickens. This decision reportedly left local farmers at a disadvantage after they had organized their operations around broiler chicken production. Senator Hawley claims that this move contradicts assurances given by Tyson on September 15, 2023.

Senator Hawley has been actively supporting Missouri farmers and advocating for transparency regarding the plant closures. Earlier this year, he engaged with Donnie King about these issues and sought commitments from him to support local farmers and safeguard jobs in Missouri.

In response to broader concerns within the industry, last year Senator Hawley introduced legislation aimed at strengthening antitrust enforcement against large meatpacking and poultry companies.

The letter from Senator Hawley also criticizes Tyson’s legal actions seeking disclosure of communications between farmers and entities like the USDA or media outlets concerning the lawsuit. According to court records cited by Hawley, such requests may deter First Amendment-protected speech.

Senator Hawley demanded an immediate halt to these efforts by Tyson's lawyers and posed specific questions regarding who authorized these actions within the company. He also requested documentation related to the sale of the Dexter plant.

The full content of Senator Hawley's letter was made public on December 20, 2024.