Little Rock – Tyson Foods Incorporated, the world's largest meat producer, is reporting its first-quarter profits slid 40 percent. The company has temporarily withdrawn its earnings guidance because of volatility in the commodity markets. Tyson operates poultry processing plants in Albertville and Blountsville.
The Arkansas-based company said it earned 34 million dollars, or 10 cents a share, in the period ending December 29th, down from 57 million dollars, or 16 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter.
On Friday, Tyson announced the elimination of 1,500 jobs at a beef plant at Emporia, Kansas, where the company is ceasing slaughter operations. Tyson Foods President and Chief Executive Officer Dick Bond said there is still more slaughter capacity than available cattle.
The company expects to face 500 million dollars in additional grain costs for fiscal 2008, which Bond said is causing prices to rise for consumers.
Tyson operates poultry processing plants in Albertville and Blountsville.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)