A major California beef processing facility is shutting down, eliminating 374 jobs and adding to growing concerns about the future of food manufacturing in the state.
The plant, operated by Swift Beef Company, a subsidiary of Brazilian global meat giant JBS, is located in Riverside, California, and is scheduled to close permanently in early 2026, with production expected to wind down over the coming weeks before operations fully cease in February.
Why the plant is closing
There is a background of declining cattle supplies across the U.S. The country is currently experiencing its smallest cattle herd in decades, driven by prolonged drought, rising feed costs, import restrictions, and tighter margins for ranchers. Fewer cattle mean underutilized processing plants — and companies are choosing to consolidate rather than operate facilities below capacity…