Expansion or Talent Crunch?
MRG Wire
Meat Industry Insights
What’s shaping the meat industry
on the floor, on the shelf, and in the boardroom
Welcome to the September 2025 edition of Meat Industry Insights. This month, Denise Chludzinski, VP of Business Development at Miller Resource Group, takes a close look at the wave of major expansions reshaping the meat industry. While the headlines highlight square footage and capital investment, Denise points out the real story: who will fill these roles, and how leaders can keep talent planning in step with growth.
Expansion or Talent Crunch?
By Denise Chludzinski, VP of Business Development
Meat companies are betting big on growth. JBS Foods is investing $435 million across Iowa, Texas, and Colorado, creating more than 900 jobs. Tyson Foods is putting over $200 million into Kentucky and Illinois, including a Caseyville expansion that alone adds 250 jobs. American Foods Group is building an 800,000-square-foot beef facility in Wisconsin, while Chomps’ new Missouri plant brings another 250 jobs.
The headlines celebrate square footage. The real question is who will run it.
These expansions are creating a squeeze. Hundreds of jobs need to be filled in markets already short on workers. Automation and technology are reshaping roles, and the traditional labor pool doesn’t always align with new requirements. It’s not just meat vs. meat anymore — the competition is across manufacturing, where robotics techs, engineers, and line leaders are in high demand.
A facility is only as strong as the people in it. For executives, the strategic question is clear: is talent planning keeping pace with capital investment? Companies that move on this now — not after the ribbon-cutting — will be the ones positioned to win.
Industry Insight
Tyson Foods is phasing out several controversial ingredients, including high-fructose corn syrup, sucralose, titanium dioxide, and synthetic antioxidants like BHA/BHT from its U.S. meat products by the end of 2025. Brands like Jimmy Dean and Hillshire Farm will be affected. This move reflects rising consumer demand for cleaner labels and transparency. It also signals potential upstream ripple effects: ingredient suppliers, quality assurance teams, and R&D will need to adjust quickly.
Expert Tip
Look beyond “culture fit.” Hiring for “culture add” brings fresh skills and perspectives that push teams forward.
Looking to Hire?
Your next high performer isn’t browsing job boards. Let’s talk.