Tyson Foods Inc. has voiced its strong opposition to the Senate version of the upcoming farm bill, which would prevent it from owning livestock prior to slaughter.


Tyson’s corporate strategy with its poultry is to own its birds from hatching right through until delivery to the customer. The group was planning to adopt the same practice with the beef and pork businesses it acquired via its US$4.7bn purchase of South Dakota-based IBP Inc.


The House version of the farm bill contains no similar provision, which has been introduced by Sen. Tim Johnson D-S.D, who says it will facilitate competition.


Tyson disagreed, saying in a statement: “Our fresh meats group depends upon independent livestock operations of all sizes to supply our plants. While we have no interest in becoming a big player in the livestock feeding business, we believe more government regulations, such as those in the proposed ban, will produce unintended consequences and be detrimental to the livestock industry.”


The House and Senate are continuing to negotiate towards a definitive version of the bill.

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