Economic soul searching has become a painful reality for hardworking families in the Missouri Ozarks after Tyson Foods announced that it would be permanently closing four of its poultry processing plants in the region.
The news hit hard, particularly in rural communities where the well-known poultry and beef processor was the primary employer. The four closures are expected to impact about 2,100 workers in the area, with the average employee earning $19 per hour.
The impact on local economies could be devastating. Aside from the impact to local businesses from reduced consumer spending, as many as half of the workers may leave the area to look for employment elsewhere. This could have a lasting impact on communities that are already struggling economically.
Government officials from the state and local levels have already begun reaching out to companies in the area to investigate possible job opportunities. They are also exploring potential business incentives, such as tax breaks and infrastructure investments, to entice companies to move into the area and provide jobs for displaced Tyson workers.
The closures also call attention to the bigger issue of job displacement caused by automation and technological advances in the industry. Automation and technology have made it easier and more cost efficient for processors to reduce their labor needs, which raises questions about the future of jobs in the industry.
Tyson plant closures will no doubt have a lasting impact on the Missouri Ozarks, but the region is resilient and determined to make a come back. Hopefully, government officials can rally to provide solutions that address the immediate needs of displaced workers while laying the foundation for new economic opportunities in the coming years.
