Tyson Foods cut contracts with Missouri farmers and is working to silence their legal fight • Missouri Independent

Missouri poultry farmers accuse Tyson of colluding to keep competitors from buying shuttered plant, leaving them stranded with millions in debt.

Tyson said the Dexter plant closure was part of a national effort to streamline production and boost profits.

Tyson Foods declined to answer detailed questions about the allegations of the lawsuit.

Tyson asked the court to make Hinkle and others reveal all contacts and conversations with officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture .

Hinkle said he is undeterred and will continue seeking compensation through the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also claims Tyson knew about the plant closure as early as 2021 when it filed a disclosure disclosure.

Tyson Foods says it terminated a property-use agreement with Cal-Maine in Dexter , Missouri , in July .

The farmers believe Tyson intentionally prevented the sale to a competitor in order to cut supply and raise prices on poultry.

The exact mechanisms by which the contract might restrict competition were redacted and under seal.

The agreement was part of the larger sales contract, according to court documents.