Cargill denies exiting turkey business despite closure rumors

USA – Cargill has refuted claims that it plans to leave the turkey industry, following a report from the New York Post that suggested otherwise.

The article, published on May 7, alleged that Cargill was preparing to discontinue its Shady Brook Farms turkey brand, citing market struggles and the impact of disease outbreaks.

An unnamed distributor told the New York Post that Cargill was pulling out due to internal figures that reportedly didn’t add up, calling the company “big numbers people.”

The distributor further claimed that the brand could be off shelves as early as July, though no formal confirmation was provided.

However, Cargill responded directly to WATTPoultry.com, stating via email that it remains committed to its turkey operations.

The company said Shady Brook Farms turkey products are still being processed at its facilities in California, Missouri, and Dayton, Virginia.

Production down, but demand expected to rise

Cargill remains one of the top players in the turkey market and, according to data from WATT PoultryUSA, was the third largest turkey producer in the United States in 2024.

That year, the company processed an estimated 793 million live pounds of turkey, despite industry-wide setbacks caused by disease and shifting consumer habits.

In January 2025, Cargill announced it would shut down its turkey processing plant in Springdale, Arkansas by August, pointing to operational adjustments.

The U.S. turkey sector faced a difficult 2024, as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), and low market demand disrupted production.

Even with these challenges, analysts expect modest recovery in 2025 due to improved feed prices and signs of renewed consumer interest.

Lower input costs could support producers in stabilizing output, and companies like Cargill may benefit from these market shifts.

While the closure of a single plant has fueled speculation, Cargill’s statement signals that it has not abandoned turkey as a part of its protein strategy.

For now, Shady Brook Farms continues to operate, and Cargill appears focused on maintaining a presence in a turbulent segment of the meat industry.

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