South Iowa News

This week in Perry, Iowa, Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) led a roundtable with community leaders, local officials, and business partners to discuss recovery efforts following the closure of the Tyson Foods plant. The event also marked the groundbreaking for JBS USA’s new $135 million pork processing facility.

The closure of the Tyson Foods plant over a year ago resulted in 1,300 workers losing their jobs and had significant effects on local businesses, schools, and families. Since then, Rep. Nunn and community members have worked together to address the impact of the closure and support those affected.

“This week’s roundtable showed what Perry Strong looks like in action. We brought together local leaders, businesses, and officials to ensure accountability, track progress, and push for a long-term recovery plan,” said Rep. Nunn. “The groundbreaking at JBS is proof that these strong partnerships are paying off—creating good-paying jobs, supporting Iowa producers, and showing what happens when a community comes together to lead its own future.”

Tyson has provided some assistance since closing its facility by donating $20,000 to the Perry food pantry and offering expanded food aid for students and families as well as meal carts for all three Perry schools. The roundtable addressed reviewing the impacts since the plant closed, identifying any gaps in Tyson’s commitments to the community, and setting expectations for a long-term economic recovery plan.

“Congressman Nunn’s commitment to accountability underscores the importance of building business partnerships rooted in responsibility and mutual benefit,” said Rachel Wacker, Executive Director of Greater Dallas County Development Alliance. “In rural Iowa communities, such as Perry, local economies often rely on a few key employers. Such accountability ensures that growth is shared, workers are supported, and that rural areas are not left behind in moments of transition or challenge. His focus on this matter reflects a broader understanding that sustainable growth for Perry depends on trust, collaboration, and responsible corporate partners.”

Following the roundtable discussion, Rep. Nunn attended the groundbreaking ceremony for JBS USA’s new pork processing facility alongside state and business leaders. The new plant represents an investment expected to create 500 jobs in Perry. Once operational, it will process pork sourced mainly from Iowa producers with capacity sufficient to feed more than four million Americans each year.

“This new JBS facility will create high quality jobs, expand processing capacity for our pig farmers, and strengthen the economic backbone of the Perry area for years to come,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “From Perry Strong to Perry Next, this community’s resilience and teamwork have turned vision into momentum. This plant’s groundbreaking is proof of what’s possible when people believe in and invest in their hometown. I appreciate Congressman Zach Nunn’s continued partnership as we work together to grow Iowa’s economy, support our farmers, and strengthen our rural communities.”

These events highlighted how cooperation among government agencies at different levels along with private sector involvement can help communities recover from setbacks like major employer closures by bringing new investment opportunities.

KCCI provided exclusive coverage of these developments which can be viewed here.