WACO, TEXAS – Cargill recently decided to end fresh and frozen whole turkey production at the company’s turkey and cooked meats facility in Waco, Texas, in November this year.

Daniel Sullivan, media relations director for North America at Cargill, explained that the cooked meats facility, which produces pre-sliced and other deli products, will continue operating.

The plant was established in 1965. Approximately 27,000 turkeys are processed at the 381,000-square-foot facility each day, according to Cargill, and more than 650 people work at the plant.

“The decision to end any operation is never easy, however it was made upon careful consideration,” Mr. Sullivan said, adding that the majority of employees were offered other positions. “Our turkey production footprint will ensure we serve customers from our other facilities as we deliver high-quality products for the holiday season and beyond. As one of the largest turkey producers in the U.S., we are committed to the success of our customers and our turkey business.”

Cargill is one of the largest turkey producers and processors in the United States, with major operations in Arkansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas and Virginia. The company sells turkey products under the Honeysuckle White and Shady Brook Farms brands.