Missouri Attorney General Intervenes in Tyson, Cal-Maine Antitrust Lawsuit

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has announced his intervention in the ongoing class action lawsuit against Tyson Foods Inc. and Cal-Maine Foods Inc., accusing the companies of engaging in anti-competitive behavior that has harmed Missouri jobs and communities.

Bailey declared his intentions on July 12 via a post on his X account, stating, “The people deserve better than big corporations who engage in anti-competitive behavior at the expense of Missouri jobs and communities. To that end, I am filing a motion to intervene in the antitrust lawsuit against Tyson Foods. I will always fight for Missouri agriculture.”

The lawsuit, filed last month by poultry producers, alleges that Tyson and Cal-Maine engaged in anti-competitive and fraudulent practices concerning the closure and subsequent sale of the Dexter, Missouri, processing plant. This lawsuit follows Tyson’s August 2023 announcement that it would close two poultry plants in Noel and Dexter, Missouri, along with two others in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Corydon, Indiana.

Read more: Farmers File Class Action Lawsuit Against Tyson Foods for Alleged Antitrust Violations

Last October, Bailey urged Tyson to consider selling the Missouri facilities instead of closing them, highlighting the potential impact on local jobs and the agricultural community. Despite these calls, the closures proceeded, leading to significant concern among local poultry producers and prompting the recent legal action.

In March, Cal-Maine Foods completed the acquisition of Tyson’s former processing plant, hatchery and feed mill in Dexter. The company has announced plans to convert the site into a shell egg operation, further intensifying the controversy and the allegations of anti-competitive practices.

Bailey’s intervention in the lawsuit underscores his commitment to protecting Missouri’s agricultural sector and ensuring fair competition. By stepping into the case, he aims to hold these corporations accountable for their actions and mitigate the adverse effects on Missouri’s economy and its communities.

Source: Meat Poultry