News outlets reporting stranded employees at Cargill, Tyson plants after Jan. 8 blizzard 

Blizzard conditions during the afternoon hours of Jan. 8 stranded employees at beef processing plants in Dodge City and Holcomb, Kansas.  

Several Wichita, Kansas, news stations reported Jan. 9 that around 50 employees sheltered in place at the Cargill plant overnight Jan. 8 in Dodge City. According to the statement, the plant was idled by the snow, cold temperatures and loss of power to half of the plant. 

“Our primary focus is to ensure the safety of our employees and support them during this extreme weather event,” the statement reads in part. “While the majority of our 2,850 team members made it home yesterday, we had a group of 50, along with local leadership, remain at the plant due to the road closure.” 

Cargill told KSN everyone had access to food, water, and assistance. Half of the plant had power and heat for the majority of the storm. 

Additionally, Cargill said some employees got stuck on the road outside the plant and they are working with local authorities and have hired tow-truck drivers to assist them and other motorists. Social media reports showed a number of motorists spent Monday night in their vehicles in front of the Cargill plant. Most vehicles had been cleared from the main roadway by the afternoon of Jan. 9, according to reports. 

KSN said Cargill plans to reopen the Dodge City plant once full power returns and the company feels it is safe to do so, adding that it could be as soon as Jan. 10. 

“We will continue to leverage our supply chain network as necessary so customers and consumers will continue to have access to a ready supply of protein products,” the statement reads. 

The Holcomb, Kansas, Tyson Fresh Meats plant also saw stranded employees due to the winter weather conditions, according to other sources. Social media posts on Jan. 8 showed employees heading to their cars amidst the blizzard conditions, but only to leave them stuck on IBP Road leaving the plant.  

Tyson officials attempted to clear the roadways out of the plant, and eventually canceled the A shift for processing and harvest Jan. 9. 

According to one article, a Tyson spokesperson told KSN the following: 

“Due to the blizzard which caused dangerous travel conditions, team members at our Holcomb, Kansas, facility were given the option of sheltering in place at the plant Monday night where they were provided a hot meal and hot beverages.” 

Team members were able to leave the facility by Jan. 9. 

Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].