Tyson Foods Announces Plans for Kansas Processing Facility

Tyson Foods has announced a $320 million poultry facility in Northeast Kansas. The facility is estimated to bring 1,600 jobs to the community and area around Tonganoxie, (Tong-gan-knock-see) Kansas. The chicken processing plant was announced earlier this week by Tyson officials, who say the facility will help to meet the growing consumer demand for fresh poultry. The facility is expected to be operational in 2019. Tyson will purchase 300 acres for the facility, along with building a hatchery and feed mill, and will be contracting with local farmers for grain needs. However, some nearby citizens protested the plans, as the Kansas City Star reports some boos were heard when Tyson officials made the announcement. Their concerns ranged from smell and animal cruelty to a lack of information provided by the company and elected representatives. Tyson already operates six plants in Kansas.