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Tyson Plant Layoffs 2026: What Lexington and Amarillo Workers Can Do Next
Synopsis
Laid off from Tyson in Lexington or Amarillo? Here's what to do first, where to find support, and how to move forward.
Laid off from Tyson in Lexington or Amarillo? Here's what to do first, where to find support, and how to move forward.
Laid off from Tyson in Lexington or Amarillo? If you’re searching ‘what to do after Tyson layoffs’ or ‘Tyson Lexington plant closure help,’ this guide walks through the key steps in plain language.
In late 2025, Tyson Foods announced it would close its beef processing plant in Lexington, Nebraska on January 20, 2026, affecting approximately 3,200 workers. The company also announced it would eliminate one of two shifts at its Amarillo, Texas facility, resulting in 1,700 additional job losses.
Together, these closures impact nearly 5,000 workers and reduce beef processing capacity nationwide by 7% - 9%.
Amarillo, Texas
Tyson has stated it is closing the Lexington plant to address losses in its beef business, citing a historically low U.S. cattle herd and projected losses of more than $600 million on beef production in the coming fiscal year.
The University of Nebraska, Lincoln estimates the total job losses, including indirect effects on local businesses and services, could reach 7,000 in the Lexington area alone.
Official news coverage and updates:
The weeks immediately after learning about a layoff are critical. Here's what to prioritize.
Before your last day, collect or request:
Tyson has indicated it will offer severance to affected workers. Make sure you understand:
If you have questions, contact your plant's HR department or the Tyson benefits hotline before your last day.
You can apply for unemployment benefits as soon as you are no longer employed. Don't wait.
Nebraska workers: Nebraska Department of Labor Unemployment
Texas workers: Texas Workforce Commission Unemployment
You will need:
File for unemployment within the first week of your last day. Delays in filing can delay your first payment. Even if you're unsure about eligibility, apply and let the state make the determination.
Take stock of your household finances now so you can make informed decisions:
The Nebraska Department of Labor has held informational sessions in Lexington for affected workers covering unemployment, retraining, resume writing, and avoiding scams. If additional sessions are scheduled, attend them.
This applies to Tyson workers in Lexington and Amarillo as well as other plant and factory workers facing layoffs.
If you've worked in meatpacking, production, maintenance, quality assurance, logistics, or supervision, you have skills that transfer to other industries. The challenge is communicating those skills in a way that employers outside the plant understand.
Hiring managers in other industries may not be familiar with meatpacking terminology. When describing your experience, focus on:
What you actually did, in plain terms:
Measurable results where possible:
Transferable skills:
For more on building a resume for production and trades roles, see the trades resume guide.
A mass layoff is not a reflection of your performance. Employers understand this.
When asked why you left your previous job, keep it simple and factual:
You don't need to apologize or over-explain. Plant closures happen, and most employers won't view this negatively.
For more guidance, see what to do after a massive layoff.
Your experience in meatpacking prepares you for a range of roles. Here are some common paths former plant workers take.
Other food processing and manufacturing
Warehouse and logistics
Construction and skilled trades
Healthcare support roles
If you're open to learning new skills, several options may be available:
Community college programs: Many community colleges offer short-term certificates in high-demand fields like welding, CDL driving, healthcare support, and manufacturing technology. Some programs are as short as 8 to 16 weeks.
Workforce development programs: The Nebraska Department of Labor and Texas Workforce Commission both offer retraining assistance and may cover tuition costs for eligible workers.
Apprenticeships: If you're interested in a skilled trade, apprenticeship programs in construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC pay you while you learn.
For more on upskilling options, see how to upskill after a layoff.
Before committing to a retraining program, research job demand in your area for that field. Ask the program about job placement rates and average starting wages for graduates.
Tyson has offered affected workers the opportunity to transfer to other Tyson facilities, though this would require relocation.
Before deciding to move, consider:
Relocation isn't right for everyone, and there's no single correct answer.
Losing a job, especially one you've held for years, is disruptive. It affects more than your finances.
It's normal to feel stressed, anxious, uncertain, or even grieving. You've lost not just a paycheck but also daily routines, coworker relationships, and a sense of stability. This is hard.
Many Lexington-area churches and community organizations are offering support, including food pantries, gas vouchers, and counseling. If you're in Amarillo, similar resources exist through local nonprofits and faith-based organizations.
Resources:
If you're experiencing tension at home, know that job loss can strain family relationships. Consider:
Unfortunately, layoffs attract bad actors. Be cautious of:
If something feels off, trust your instincts and verify before committing.
Be especially careful if someone contacts you offering to help sell your home quickly. Get multiple offers and consult with a local real estate professional or housing counselor before making decisions.
For those ready to begin the job search, some workers find it helpful to use structured tools to organize their experience and create a clear, professional resume.
Yotru's resume builder is one option. It's designed to help workers translate hands-on experience into resume language that hiring managers understand. The tool asks you questions about your work history and helps you identify and describe transferable skills.
It's free to start, and you can complete a resume on your phone or computer.
This is optional. Some workers prefer to write their resumes themselves or work with a workforce development counselor. What matters most is that your resume clearly communicates what you can do.
For additional resources on creating an effective resume:
When building your resume, focus on your most recent 10 to 15 years of experience. You don't need to list every job you've ever held, especially if you've been with Tyson for decades
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
We bring expertise in career education, workforce development, labor market research, and employability technology. We partner with training providers, career services teams, nonprofits, and public-sector organizations to turn research and policy into practical tools used in real employment and retraining programs. Our approach balances evidence and real hiring realities to support employability systems that work in practice. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Common questions about Tyson plant layoffs in Lexington and Amarillo
The Lexington, Nebraska plant closed on January 20, 2026. This closure was announced in late 2025 and confirmed in subsequent public statements and news coverage.
This article is written for Tyson Foods employees in Lexington, Nebraska and Amarillo, Texas who are facing job loss due to plant closure or shift elimination. It provides practical guidance on immediate steps, job search preparation, and available resources.
This article is maintained for accuracy and updated as new information becomes available. It is written to be factual, practical, and respectful of workers in difficult circumstances. It is not affiliated with Tyson Foods, any union, or government agency.
Content is based on official announcements from Tyson Foods, reporting from the Associated Press, guidance from the Nebraska Department of Labor and Texas Workforce Commission, and best practices in workforce transition support.
This article is not affiliated with Tyson Foods, any union, or any government or workforce organization. It provides general information and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Individual circumstances vary. Consult with appropriate professionals or government agencies for guidance specific to your situation.
If you are working on employability programs, hiring strategy, career education, or workforce outcomes and want practical guidance, you are in the right place.
Yotru supports individuals and organizations navigating real hiring systems. That includes resumes and ATS screening, career readiness, program design, evidence collection, and alignment with employer expectations. We work across education, training, public sector, and industry to turn guidance into outcomes that actually hold up in practice.
Part of Yotru's commitment to helping professionals succeed in real hiring systems through evidence-based guidance.
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