By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post
Lexington, Neb. - Local leaders and community members are reacting with shock, frustration, and heartbreak following Tyson Foods’ announcement that it will permanently close its Lexington beef processing plant within the next two months—an economic anchor that has employed generations of families and fueled the region’s economy for decades.
The Lexington Chamber of Commerce said the news caught the community off guard and will leave a deep mark on families, businesses, and the broader local economy. Chamber leaders said their focus now is on supporting affected workers and working alongside partners to help connect families with resources, job opportunities, and guidance during the transition.
That sense of personal loss is being felt across Lexington. Local Realtor Stephanie Novoa said the emotional impact on the community is devastating.
“My heart is absolutely shattered today,” she said. “As many of you have already heard, Tyson Foods—our largest employer and a place where so many families have built their lives—has announced that it will be closing its plant within the next two months.”
Novoa said the announcement touches every part of life in Lexington—businesses, housing, schools, and the families who call the community home.
“I know the fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak this brings. I’ve grown up here. I’ve built my life, my career, and my family here. And I also know the strength, resilience, and unity that runs deep in this community,” she said. Novoa added that she’s committed to helping however she can as families navigate what comes next.
Agricultural leaders expressed concern not only for Lexington, but also for Nebraska cattle producers who rely on the state’s packing capacity.
In a statement, the Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors said it is “disappointed” by Tyson’s decision, noting that the closure comes despite USDA data showing Nebraska cattle-on-feed inventories remain slightly above last year’s levels.
“We firmly believe there isn’t a better place to efficiently and economically raise cattle and produce beef than Nebraska,” the board said. “As this will have a profound impact on the community of Lexington and many cattle producers, we hope the plant will continue operations under new ownership.”
The Tyson facility has long been one of the region’s largest employers, and its closure is expected to have ripple effects across Dawson County and beyond. Tyson Foods notified Nebraska Department of Labor it plans to dissolve over 3,000 jobs by January 20, 2026.
Local organizations say they will continue coordinating efforts to support families, connect displaced workers with opportunities, and help steady the community through the coming weeks.