Region’s Biggest Beef Packing House Up For Sale: Time for WA to Get Real About Farming

Markus Rollinger, Yakima-area dairy farmer and Save Family Farming President, issued the following statement regarding news of Tyson Foods’ plan to sell its Pasco, WA beef processing facility–the biggest in the Pacific Northwest

“Even while beef is in high demand nationally, ranchers and cattle feeders here in Washington face difficult decisions, with the future of this critical piece of food and farming infrastructure in question.

“Washington state leaders have had a big hand in making this one of the most expensive places in the nation to grow food. This announcement should show state lawmakers and bureaucrats that they cannot continue to increase costs and restrictions while still expecting farmers and ranchers–and the businesses that they rely on–to survive here.

“We’re glad to see the facility will keep packing beef for now, and hope that a buyer can be found to continue the business. If we lose this processor, every beef producer in the state will be hurt, even down to the very smallest farmers and ranchers. This isn’t just about the “big guys”–it will affect everyone in our region who cares about producing high-quality food close to home.

“State leaders need to take this situation seriously, and focus on bringing immediate changes that keep our legacy of farming and ranching going. If even the few bright spots in our deeply struggling farming community can no longer survive here, the viability of farming in Washington is dead.

“Labor costs, onerous regulatory compliance, tax burdens and unaccountable bureaucrats and activists are driving farming and the businesses that support farming out of Washington state, and they need to be put in check.”