U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is calling on Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to launch a formal investigation into Tyson Foods after a whistleblower came forward with allegations of illegal child labor at one of the company’s processing plants.

Hawley’s letter, sent Tuesday, follows the secretary’s prior commitment during her confirmation hearing to aggressively target companies exploiting children.

“As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime, I have been contacted by a whistleblower who alleges that Tyson Foods used child workers at one of its processing plants — in likely violation of federal child labor law,” Hawley wrote. “I have opened an investigation in my Subcommittee. Given your role in enforcing federal labor law, I urge you to fully investigate these troubling allegations immediately.”

The whistleblower, a former Tyson plant safety official, claims they personally observed underage workers and received multiple reports from other employees about children working in the facility. According to the allegations, the minors were hired by a third-party contractor used by Tyson. The whistleblower also alleges retaliation and a hostile work environment after raising concerns internally, eventually prompting their resignation. Tyson is now reportedly pursuing legal action against the former employee.

Hawley cited recent New York Times investigations documenting child labor abuses in the poultry processing industry, including Tyson’s alleged use of subcontractors to avoid direct liability.

He reminded Chavez-DeRemer of her earlier statement: “Child labor should not be accepted by anybody in America. The Department of Labor has the enforcement capability to double down if [companies] are knowingly breaking the law and exploiting children in their factories.”

“I agree,” Hawley wrote. “We cannot allow children to continue to be exploited in the name of corporate profits. I therefore urge you to investigate all allegations regarding Tyson’s illicit child labor practices, including these new whistleblower allegations.”

Tyson Foods — which operates chicken, beef, and pork processing plants nationwide — stated it strictly prohibits anyone younger than 18 from working in its facilities. The company also said it does not permit or condone the use of child labor by third-party contractors.

Concerns about child labor have escalated nationally. In 2023, the Biden administration rolled out new enforcement efforts in response to a surge in violations uncovered by investigative reporting. That same year, the Department of Labor revealed that more than 100 children had been illegally employed by Packers Sanitation Services Inc., a contractor hired to clean slaughterhouses. Some of those minors had reportedly worked in Tyson facilities.

BRYAN, Texas — Texas A&M University held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week for a $13 million state-of-the-art livestock reproduction facility located at the college’s satellite campus, Rellis. The new center, formally known as the Animal Reproductive Biotech Center, will highlight the importance of Texas in the nation’s livestock production, as well as help to showcase Texas A&M as a leader in agricultural research.

With the new developments to be made at this reproduction facility, Texas A&M said it aims to build on the trust of its partners by providing solutions for sustainable livestock production systems. Donor support came from Merck and numerous former students.

Dr. Cliff Lamb, the director of Texas A&M University Research, started the ceremony, stating, “This advanced facility will be an important new tool in addressing animal reproduction in the U.S. and around the world, especially given our cattle inventory numbers are as low as they’ve been in the last 70 years. In addition to that we are the largest sheep and goat producer in the U.S.”

Completed amid growing concerns for declining cattle herd sizes due to the encroachment of the new world screwworm, the facility comes with 12,600 square feet designated for research, and an additional 13,000 square feet for animal holding and load out. Research will primarily be focused on cattle and other ruminant species. Molecular genetic tools will be used for pregnancy diagnosis and development support to advance livestock reproduction.

The unveiling ceremony held Tuesday was hosted by various speakers from the university who were instrumental in garnering support for the facility, and each had a vision for the impact of the research. They addressed the significance of the facility in the university’s role in agrilife research, the importance in maintaining the livestock production market in Texas, and the need to continue research to maintain the reliable food source for the country.

“We support every part of the agricultural value chain, and we reach agricultural producers in every Texas county,” stated Dr. Jeffrey Savell, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Science. “Food security is national security, and in Texas where livestock plays such an important part, research from this facility will help that nation be more secure.” 

Texas A&M acknowledges that it is uniquely positioned leading agricultural research.

“We have a rich history in reproductive science going back over 100 years of folks really pioneering the way, and still today,” said Ky Pohler, Associate Professor of Animal Science.

“Agriculture is going to have a good presence here, just as it has forever at Texas A&M University,” added the school system’s chancellor, John Sharp.

Livestock is the leading market in Texas, incentivizing preservation for the economy. Agriculture is the state’s second-most valuable industry, with well over 100 million acres in farmland.

Looking toward the future this facility will shape the learning for new and continuing students.

“I think over the next 20 years, the students that are here now, but also the ones that are in middle school now will come here and will have an opportunity to learn from the greatest group of scientists in the world, but also in such an amazing facility. Beyond that, the influence that those will have on the next generations,” said Dr. Clay Mathis, Head Professor of Animal Science.

Tahja Sims serves as the 2025 American Farmland Trust Agriculture Communications Intern at AGDAILY, with a focus on helping to amplify diversity and minority voices in agriculture. Tahja is currently an agricultural economics major and senior at Texas A&M University. She has served as an intern with the U.S. House of Representatives and is a member of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) organization.

From Temple, Texas, Emma Coffman has been selected by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, as the 2024 Advocate of the Year.

The award recognizes Coffman for her creative use of storytelling across social media platforms, along with breaking down barriers as a first-generation cattle rancher.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University, Coffman pursued diverse opportunities in agriculture, including cattle ranching in Australia, before returning to Texas to begin her professional career.

With both classroom knowledge and real-world experience, Coffman has a lot of knowledge to share on her social media platforms where she addresses misconceptions of the beef industry and utilizes her background as a first-generation agriculturist to connect with consumers.

Watch on TikTok

“As a first-generation agriculturalist, what I initially saw as my biggest disadvantage has turned out to be the greatest blessing the Lord could have given me,” said Coffman. “It has provided me with the unique opportunity to break down complex topics and present them in ways that are more relatable and understandable to everyday consumers.”

As a modern-day influencer, Coffman has a knack for creating approachable and educational social media content that bridges the gap between consumers and producers. With more than 80,000 followers across social media platforms, Coffman uses her platform to educate viewers about sustainable and innovative ways farmers and ranchers care for their animals and produce high-quality beef.

“My purpose in advocating for beef is to empower people to make informed decisions based on knowledge. I want consumers to choose American beef confidently, understanding that it not only provides nutritious, sustainable protein but also helps support the hardworking families behind it,” she said.

Along with sharing beef facts and ranching stories, Coffman’s passion goes beyond simply reaching consumers. She also strives to inspire the next generation of ranchers through sharing stories that will motivate and guide them as they build their operations. Coffman also works to encourage producers and industry stakeholders to join the conversation to help grow consumer trust in the beef industry and establish a firm foundation for future beef advocates to flourish.

Watch on TikTok

“Through advocacy work, ranchers and industry stakeholders ensure that the hard work, dedication, and positive impact of beef production are recognized and valued. It is not just about protecting the industry — it is about ensuring a strong future for agriculture and the generations to come.”

You can follow Emma Coffman on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or visit her website, Double E Ranch, here.