Tyson loses appeal on US$7.3 million verdict

Ten Oklahoma poultry growers have won a US$7.3 million judgment against Tyson Foods Inc., which the growers claimed used unethical practices.

The three-week trial in McCurtain County ended April 2, with the jury ruling for the growers. It was the first of several similar lawsuits in Idabel to come to trial against Tyson.

In the first amended complaint, the growers alleged that Tyson took part in a series of improper acts designed to favour its interests. The allegations include misrepresentation of certain contract provisions and inducement of growers to unnecessarily finance expensive improvements to their facilities to satisfy Tyson.

Additionally, the growers claimed Tyson pressured them into borrowing heavily to build new chicken houses but paid less than the growers needed to break even.

Meanwhile, the meat processing firm is spending US$29 million to upgrade that facility.