The Cargill beef plant in Plainview, Texas, has been slated for closure on February 1 due to an ongoing cattle shortage caused by a severe, two-year drought that has affected the entire beef and meat industry, according to reports. Extraordinarily high feed prices are also contributing to the cattle shortage.
“The meat industry has been devastated by this severe drought," said UFCW Local 540 President Johnny Rodriguez. "The area is in desperate need of some relief in order to save the industry, help farmers, keep more plants from closing and keep workers from losing their jobs.” The UFCW has said it is committed to working together with Cargill to give as many workers as possible the opportunity to relocate to other Cargill plants including plants located in Friona, Texas, and Dodge City, Kan.
