Local Feeder Says Cargill Closing Will Affect Cattle Business Around The State
By: Meredith Hillgartner
Updated: January 18, 2013
"They invested a lot in that community, in that region," Williams said. "I'm sure they want that to come back."
On February 1st Cargill will close its' doors and more than 2,000 people will be out of work.
But Kyle Williams is not surprised.
"This is a huge issue, the drought of 2011and 2012," Williams said. "Everyone is starting to realize what such long coattails this thing has."
Williams is the manager for Lubbock Feeders-one of the companies that supplies Cargill.
"This feed has been an integral part of that packing house for years because of the closeness of it," Williams said.
He said the problem stems from the drought, causing a lack of food for cows and higher costs for ranchers.
"Because of the drought our feed prices have doubled," Williams said. "And in some cases almost tripled from what it used to be."
Williams said this means less cows, and without the cows--the entire industry will suffer.
"She creates so many jobs for so many people," Williams said. "You got sale barns trucking packing house people feed yards grain companies. I mean the list goes on and on."
Williams said he wants to help his business partners who have grown into friend, but his company does not have the resources.
"No currently right now our head count has come down also," Williams said. "So we don't need near the employees either."
