Fort Morgan Labor Update
Official Cargill updates on Fort Morgan labor negotiations and operational continuity
Fort Morgan employees are central to our beef business and play an important role in the local community. Our goal has always been to reach an agreement that supports employees, the facility, cattle suppliers, customers, and the community.
This page is intended to provide official updates and factual information as negotiations continue. Please check back for the latest information.
Latest updates: August 17, 2026
New Labor Agreement Ratified at Fort Morgan
Cargill is pleased that employees represented by Teamsters Local 455 have voted to ratify a new labor agreement for our Fort Morgan beef facility.
We will work closely with the union on a safe, phased return to operations. Following an extended pause, employees will receive the training and support needed to return safely, while teams ensure the facility is ready to resume production. Employee safety, food safety and operational readiness will guide every step of the process.
Commitment to Employees and Fort Morgan
We recognize that the past several months have been difficult for employees, their families and the broader Fort Morgan community. We look forward to welcoming employees back and moving forward together.
Fort Morgan employees are an important part of Cargill’s beef business and play an important role in the local community. The facility provides employment for people across the area, supports local and regional cattle suppliers and serves customers throughout Cargill’s beef supply chain.
Over the years, Cargill has invested in technology, equipment and facility improvements that support employee safety, food safety, product quality and operational performance. We have also supported housing initiatives and community organizations serving employees, their families and the broader Fort Morgan community.
Our immediate focus is on supporting employees through the return-to-work process and resuming operations safely and responsibly.
Safe, Phased Return to Operations
Cargill is working closely with the union to implement the new agreement and safely return employees to work. Employees will receive information directly from Cargill about their assigned schedules and next steps.
Because the facility has been paused for an extended period, employees will participate in training and other assigned return-to-work activities while teams prepare equipment and production areas. Return timing and assigned activities will vary by production area based on safety, training and operational readiness.
Cargill is also coordinating with cattle suppliers as part of the phased restart. Initial harvesting will begin once employee training, cattle availability and operational readiness are confirmed, with broader operations following as the restart progresses.
During the phased restart, Cargill will continue using its broader supply chain network to support cattle suppliers and serve customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will employees return to work and resume receiving pay?
Employees will receive information directly from Cargill about their assigned schedules and next steps.
Employees will be paid for scheduled work, training and other assigned return-to-work activities when they report as directed. Because the facility has been paused for an extended period, assigned activities and schedules will vary by production area based on safety, training and operational readiness.
Why is production not resuming immediately?
Safely restarting the facility after an extended pause requires time for employee training and support, facility preparation and coordination with cattle suppliers. Employee safety, food safety and operational readiness will guide every step of the process.
When will harvesting and broader operations resume?
Cargill is coordinating with cattle suppliers and preparing employees, equipment and production areas for a safe restart. Harvesting will resume as those preparations are completed, with broader operations following in phases.
Will all employees return at the same time?
Cargill looks forward to welcoming employees back. Employees will receive information directly from Cargill about their assigned schedules and next steps.
What are terms of the new agreement?
Cargill is focused on implementing the ratified agreement and supporting employees through a safe return to work. We are not providing additional details about the ratified contract.
Will cattle suppliers or customers be affected?
Under current operating plans, Cargill does not expect material impacts to cattle suppliers or customers.
Cargill is coordinating with cattle suppliers as part of the phased restart and will continue using its broader supply chain network to support suppliers, maintain a reliable beef supply and honor customer commitments.
Why did Cargill initiate the lockout?
Amid continued threats of a work stoppage, Cargill made the difficult decision to initiate a lockout on May 20. Beef processing involves live animals, food-safety requirements and highly coordinated operations, and an unplanned stoppage during production could create significant safety and operational risks.
A lockout was not the outcome Cargill wanted. Cargill and the union continued bargaining and exchanging proposals throughout the lockout. With a new agreement now ratified, our focus is on supporting employees through the return-to-work process and resuming operations safely and responsibly.
Related labor update: Dodge City
Employees at Cargill’s Dodge City, Kansas, facility voted May 23 to ratify a new labor agreement with UFCW Local 2. The agreement took effect May 24, immediately following expiration of the prior agreement.
The Dodge City agreement is separate from the new agreement ratified by union-represented employees at Cargill’s Fort Morgan facility.
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