Tyson and Cargill Reach Poultry Settlements with Oklahoma

Settlements totaling over $25 million aim to address long-running pollution dispute in Illinois River Watershed

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond announced major settlements with Tyson Foods and Cargill to resolve a 20-year legal dispute over poultry waste pollution in the Illinois River Watershed. Tyson will pay $19 million and Cargill will pay $6.5 million to fund remediation efforts and increase poultry litter removal from the watershed.

Why it matters

The settlements mark a significant step in Oklahoma's efforts to hold major poultry companies accountable for environmental damage and pollution in the ecologically important Illinois River Watershed. The agreements aim to balance environmental protection with supporting the state's poultry industry, which is a major economic driver.

The details

Under the consent judgments, Tyson and Cargill will progressively increase poultry litter removal from the watershed, pay into funds for a Special Master to monitor compliance and fund remediation efforts, and voluntarily dismiss their appeals of a previous court judgment holding the companies jointly responsible for the pollution. In exchange, the state will release all claims against the companies.

  • The legal dispute over poultry waste pollution in the Illinois River Watershed has been ongoing for over 20 years, since 2005.
  • The latest settlements with Tyson and Cargill were announced on February 15, 2026.

The players

Genter Drummond

The Attorney General of Oklahoma who announced the settlements with Tyson and Cargill.

Tyson Foods, Inc.

One of the major poultry companies held responsible for pollution in the Illinois River Watershed, agreeing to pay $19 million as part of the settlement.

Cargill, Inc. and Cargill Turkey Production

Another major poultry company held responsible for pollution in the Illinois River Watershed, agreeing to pay $6.5 million as part of the settlement.

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What they’re saying

“For over two decades, Oklahoma has fought to protect the Illinois River Watershed and the natural resources that sustain our communities. The decision to settle by Tyson and Cargill makes one thing unmistakably clear: corporate accountability is not optional, and protecting Oklahoma's water can, and must, go hand in hand with a strong poultry and agricultural industry. These settlements provide a path to move forward together, giving certainty for growers, protecting jobs and safeguarding Oklahoma's waters for future generations.”

— Genter Drummond, Attorney General of Oklahoma (okenergytoday.com)

“Tyson Foods has reached a settlement with the State of Oklahoma to resolve the long-running Illinois River Watershed dispute. We believe this resolution is in the best interest of our growers and their communities in Northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas. Tyson Foods is fortunate to have been a part of the agricultural community in the region for our entire 90-year history, and we are deeply grateful for the support we have received from our growers, our neighbors, and elected leaders in both states to achieve this resolution. We are pleased to move forward with our growers in Oklahoma and Arkansas to focus together on our mission of feeding the world like family.”

— Nathan McKay, President of Poultry, Tyson Foods (okenergytoday.com)

“Cargill appreciates the engagement of the Oklahoma Attorney General, the State of Oklahoma and local stakeholders in bringing this matter to a fair and reasonable resolution. We look forward to continuing to work and invest in Oklahoma.”

— Cargill Spokesperson (okenergytoday.com)

What’s next

The settlements with Tyson, Cargill, and George's do not affect the ongoing proceedings involving the other defendants: Cal-Maine, Peterson Farms and Simmons.

The takeaway

These settlements represent a significant milestone in Oklahoma's long-running efforts to hold major poultry companies accountable for environmental damage, while also ensuring the state's poultry industry remains strong and sustainable. The agreements provide a path forward to improve water quality in the Illinois River Watershed through increased poultry litter removal and remediation efforts.