Washington County leaders address Tyson’s threat to not renew local poultry contracts
Tyson Foods’ decision not to renew poultry contracts in Arkansas’ Illinois River watershed threatens hundreds of local jobs, officials said.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — Washington County leaders said Tuesday the decision by Tyson Foods not to renew poultry contracts in the Illinois River watershed could threaten hundreds of jobs and the future of farming in Northwest Arkansas.
Tyson announced last year it would not renew contracts with growers in the watershed area, citing uncertainty tied to a long-running lawsuit filed by the state of Oklahoma over phosphorus pollution in the Illinois River.
The lawsuit dates back to 2005 and centers on claims that poultry litter runoff has contributed to water quality issues downstream.
Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins said on Jan. 6 that the impact of the decision reaches far beyond the courtroom.
“This issue has now become a kitchen table issue,” Deakins said, noting that families who rely on poultry production are now facing serious financial uncertainty.
County officials estimate roughly 800 direct jobs are tied to poultry production within the watershed, with additional jobs connected through transportation, processing, and other supporting industries.
Deakins warned that the loss of contracts could also reduce county tax revenue used to fund schools, infrastructure, and public services.
Members of the Washington County Quorum Court said poultry growers feel caught between corporate decisions and ongoing federal litigation.
Justice of the Peace Evelyn Rios Stafford said many farmers have already taken significant steps to improve water quality, including shipping poultry litter out of the watershed and adopting new environmental practices.
“Progress has been made,” Rios Stafford said. “These are small family farmers, and they’re caught in the middle of forces they don’t control.”
Another justice of the peace, Lisa Ecke, said she worries about the long-term consequences for families if contracts disappear.
“It’s not just the farmers,” Ecke said. “It’s their families, their insurance, their ability to pay their bills. One decision can change everything.”
County leaders said they support protecting water quality while also preserving agriculture, and they believe the two goals can coexist. They are calling for renewed negotiations and a science-based approach that includes farmers in the conversation.
The Washington County Quorum Court is expected to discuss a resolution supporting growers and encouraging renewed talks during its meeting on Jan. 6.