Crooks City Council Holds Public Meeting on Smithfield Foods' Move

The town's mayor says the relocation will bring benefits, but nearby residents worry about increased traffic.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Crooks City Council is hosting a public meeting on March 9th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss Smithfield Foods' announcement to move its long-standing location from downtown Sioux Falls to Foundation Park in Crooks, South Dakota. While Crooks Mayor F. Butch Oseby says the town will see benefits from the move, nearby homeowners are concerned about the additional traffic the relocation will bring.

Why it matters

Smithfield Foods is a major employer and economic driver in the region, so its decision to relocate has significant implications for the local community. The public meeting allows residents to voice their concerns and understand the potential impacts of the move.

The details

Smithfield Foods, one of the world's largest pork producers, announced last week that it will be moving its operations from downtown Sioux Falls to Foundation Park in the nearby town of Crooks. This decision has sparked a mix of reactions, with Crooks' mayor welcoming the move as a potential economic boon, while some nearby homeowners worry about the increased traffic it may bring to their residential areas.

  • Smithfield Foods announced the move last week.
  • The Crooks City Council is hosting a public meeting on March 9th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

The players

F. Butch Oseby

The mayor of Crooks, South Dakota, who says the town will see benefits from Smithfield Foods' relocation.

Smithfield Foods

One of the world's largest pork producers, which is moving its operations from downtown Sioux Falls to Foundation Park in Crooks, South Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“I did not know Smithfield would move into the area but said the town will see benefits from the move.”

— F. Butch Oseby, Mayor of Crooks (Keloland)

What’s next

The Crooks City Council will host the public meeting on March 9th, 2026 to hear from residents and discuss the potential impacts of Smithfield Foods' relocation.

The takeaway

Smithfield Foods' decision to move its operations to Crooks, South Dakota has sparked a mix of reactions, with the town's mayor welcoming the economic benefits, while nearby residents worry about increased traffic. The public meeting will allow the community to voice their concerns and understand the implications of this major business move.