With the ribbon-cutting of its latest poultry complex in Humboldt, Tyson Foods continues its nearly 50-year commitment to Tennessee agriculture.
“We’re pleased to add to the growth in Gibson County with the opening of our new 370,00 square foot processing facility,” said Dean Banks, Tyson Foods President and CEO. “We appreciate the support of all those who played a role in making this facility possible – the local community, county, state and our Humboldt team members who safely and responsibly produce high-quality protein daily to help feed our nation and world.”
The Humboldt complex represents Tyson’s largest investment in Tennessee and the first poultry facility since they opened their Union City facility 25 years ago.
“Tyson Foods started as a small family poultry business more than 85 years ago, and today we are a recognized leader in protein,” said John R. Tyson, chief sustainability officer and member of the Tyson family. “We are incredibly proud to make West Tennessee the home of our new poultry facility in 25 years and look forward to being part of the community and supporting the local economy.”
The Humboldt processing plant, along with a hatchery and feed mill, has been a $425 million investment to the region. When full capacity is reached in two to three years, the Humboldt complex will employ 1,500 people and process more than 1.2 million birds each week. The product line will feature pre-packaged fresh chicken trays for retail stores nationwide.
“We are incredibly proud that Tyson has made this commitment to rural Tennessee,” said Governor Bill Lee. 
“The economies of rural Tennessee are vitally important to this state and agriculture is the largest sector of our economy. It not only provides jobs for those in this plant, but it’s also providing opportunities to producers in this region, poultry producers and grain producers. It’s a real shot in the arm for this part of the state, which means it’s good for all of Tennessee.”
The company’s Humboldt feed mill, which will supply feed for approximately 56 local poultry farmers, will produce 14,000 tons of finished feed a week when production reaches full capacity. The payroll and payments to farmers from the new operation, along with the purchase of grain and utilities, is expected to generate an annual economic benefit to the state of Tennessee of $150 million.
“My family and I have built two pullet houses on our farm with Tyson and I’m proud to be able to seize this opportunity,” said Gibson County Farm Bureau President Todd Littleton. “It’s been a blessing for Gibson County because there’s a large trickle-down effect from these barns coming to our area. Tyson purchases a lot grain – corn, soybeans and wheat – that benefits all of agriculture in the county and surrounding areas.”
Including the Humboldt complex, Tyson Foods currently has five facilities in the state, employing about 5,000 people with an annual payroll of more than $226 million. In its 2020 fiscal year, the company paid Tennessee farmers more than $61 million.
“Tennessee is currently 12th in broiler production nationwide,” said Dale Barnett, executive director of the Tennessee Poultry Association. “Once Humboldt is at full capacity, we’ll probably move to tenth. We process about seven million birds a week in Tennessee and once they are fully online, we’ll process close to 8.5 million each week. We’re already one of the top three states for the breeder industry or genetics that helps to feed the world.”
