Two More Poultry Companies Settle Oklahoma Pollution Lawsuit

Tyson Foods and Cargill agree to pay over $25 million for Illinois River Watershed remediation and conservation.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two major poultry companies, Tyson Foods and Cargill, have agreed to settle a 20-year lawsuit with the state of Oklahoma over pollution in the Illinois River Watershed. The companies will pay a combined $25 million for remediation and conservation efforts, as well as increase poultry litter removal from the watershed and pay for a special master to monitor compliance.

Why it matters

This settlement is a significant development in a long-running legal battle over environmental damage caused by excessive poultry waste spreading in the Illinois River Watershed, which spans Oklahoma and Arkansas. The agreement aims to hold poultry companies accountable and provide a path forward to protect the region's natural resources.

The details

Tyson Foods will pay $19 million and Cargill will pay $6.5 million as part of the settlement. Both companies will increase poultry litter removal from the watershed, pay for a special master to monitor compliance, and bear all costs for litter removal. In return, the state will release all claims against the companies.

  • The lawsuit was filed in 2005 by former Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson.
  • Last year, a federal judge issued a judgment holding seven large poultry companies jointly responsible for the pollution and requiring them to pay for decades of cleanup.
  • The latest settlements follow one announced in January with George's Inc., which agreed to pay $5 million.

The players

Tyson Foods

One of the world's largest food companies and a major poultry producer in the region.

Cargill

A global agricultural conglomerate and one of the largest private companies in the United States.

Gentner Drummond

The current Oklahoma Attorney General who announced the latest settlements.

Drew Edmondson

The former Oklahoma Attorney General who filed the original lawsuit in 2005.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 unmistakingly 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.”

— Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma Attorney General (arkansasadvocate.com)

“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 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 officials in both states to achieve this resolution.”

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

What’s next

The settlement announced Thursday does not affect ongoing proceedings with defendants Cal-Maine, Peterson Farms and Simmons, who are still involved in the lawsuit.

The takeaway

This settlement represents a significant step in holding major poultry companies accountable for their environmental impact in the Illinois River Watershed. The agreements aim to provide funding for remediation and conservation efforts while allowing the poultry industry to continue operating in the region, demonstrating that corporate responsibility and a strong agricultural economy can coexist.