NEW YORK, March 7, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Donnie Smith, president and chief executive officer of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), today told the Goldman Sachs 16th Annual Agricultural Biotech Forum that Tyson is in an enviable position in the industry due to its strong balance sheet.

"It gives us options," Smith said, "and that includes building out our foreign operations. We're establishing company-owned chicken farms in China to supply our three plants, and we're also double-shifting our plants in Brazil. Domestically, we'll use our capital to grow our prepared foods business, and that could mean building or buying, depending on our needs and the opportunities available. We'll continue reinvesting in our business, which has put us in a great competitive position. We also will maintain our focus on product innovation and adding value to chicken as we help our customers grow their businesses."

Noel White, senior group vice president of Tyson's fresh meats division, said he expects the company's pork margins to remain strong while its beef margins should improve throughout the year following a period of margin compression.

"We originally expected to see a 1-2% decrease in available cattle in 2012, but because fewer head were processed during this recent period of margin compression, we anticipate the availability of fed steers and heifers to be adequate or even greater for the balance of our fiscal year." White added that Tyson's beef processing plants are located in the regions with the highest concentrations of fed cattle, which contributes to the company's competitive cost structure.

About Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 130 countries. The company has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

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Forward Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements as well as historical information. These forward-looking statements may include statements relating to domestic and international growth and cattle supplies. Actual results may vary.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: consumer demand and perceptions; the availability of raw materials; customer requests and requirements; and the ability to compete in products and prices in a competitive industry. 


CONTACT: Jon Kathol, 479-290-4235

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Tyson Foods, Inc.