Job Losses Loom Over Lexington, Nebraska as Tyson Foods Plant Closes

Mon Dec 22 2025 21:48:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Tyson Foods' closure of its beef plant in Lexington will lead to significant job losses, impacting over 3,200 workers and the community at large.

The impending closure of the Tyson Foods beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, set for January 20, is causing fear and uncertainty among residents in the small town of 11,000. Estimated job losses could reach 7,000, threatening the local economy and the livelihoods of many families. The community, which has relied on the plant for more than two decades, is now facing a potential exodus as workers grapple with the loss of income and seek new opportunities elsewhere.

LEXINGTON, Neb. — On a frigid day after Mass at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, churchgoers in Lexington, Nebraska, gathered in fear and uncertainty about the future of their town. The closure of Tyson Foods’ beef plant next month, which has been the town’s main employer for over two decades, will result in job losses for 3,200 workers and ripple effects throughout the local economy.

With a population of just 11,000, this closure poses a drastic change, forcing many families to consider leaving for larger cities like Omaha, Iowa, or other meatpacking hubs.

“Suddenly they tell us that there’s no more work. Your world closes in on you,” said Alejandra Gutierrez, a worker at the Tyson plant.

The plant’s shutdown, expected to cause an estimated economic loss of $241 million in wages and benefits annually, not only threatens the livelihoods of workers but also creates uncertainty for local businesses that rely heavily on the plant's workforce.

City officials express hope for repurposing the facility or attracting another employer, but concerns remain about the viability of the community if significant layoffs occur. As one local diner owner put it, If 1,000 families leave, it will have devastating effects. Schools will suffer from a lack of students, businesses will close, and the community could shrink.”

The loss of income has already impacted vital services, leading to emotional meetings at the Nebraska Department of Labor, where workers were given advice on retraining and other employment opportunities. This stress is palpable at community gatherings like at St. Ann’s, where donations are being organized to support families facing hardship as Christmas approaches.

Workers like Lizeth Yanes reflect on the bittersweet nature of their lives in Lexington, understanding that for many, their dreams tied to the plant's existence may have to be let go. “Tyson was our motherland,” said Arab Adan, a long-time employee, highlighting the deep ties workers have to their jobs and this small town.

As the closure date approaches, the impact of Tyson’s decision looms large, with many in Lexington hoping for a reversal or at least some support to navigate these uncertain times.