- Cargill is closing its turkey plant in Springdale, Arkansas, on August 1.
- The closure will result in approximately 1,000 job losses, the largest layoff in Springdale’s history.
- The plant’s shutdown will also affect 108 contracted turkey farmers.
- The average annual salary of the impacted workers is around $46,000.
- The direct payroll loss amounts to $46 million, with broader economic impact expected.
- Cargill announced the closure in January, giving a six-month lead time.
- Springdale city officials and state workforce teams began immediate support efforts.
- A job fair is scheduled for June 20 to help displaced workers find new employment.
- Around 100 workers have already found other jobs or transferred within Cargill.
- The plant closure is tied to ongoing challenges in the turkey industry.
- Shifting consumer behavior — such as fewer young Americans eating whole turkeys — contributed to the decision.
- Turkey prices fell significantly, and avian flu added costs to an already struggling sector.
- The Springdale facility has operated since 1965 and was once a Ralston Purina plant.
- Cargill will shift production to its Missouri and Virginia plants.
- The company says it will honor contracts with growers and minimize supply disruption.
- Cargill has not announced plans for the Springdale facility after closure.
- Severance details for laid-off employees have not been disclosed.
- Workers have a broad range of skills from machine operation to quality control.
- Up to 100 employees may pursue upskilling opportunities.
- State rapid response teams have been active on-site, providing resume and training support.
- Community partners like the Arkansas Insurance Department and Credit Counseling of Arkansas are involved.
- The state’s mobile workforce centers are offering continued job placement assistance.