Shares of major meat processors slipped on Friday after President Donald Trump declared he is "authorizing the drafting of legal documents" that would enable farmers and ranchers to process their own agricultural products, a direct challenge to the industry's largest players.

Following the announcement, Tyson (TSN) and JBS NV (JBS) each fell approximately 1% in trading. The president's comments, delivered via his Truth Social platform, took aim at large agricultural conglomerates, labeling them a "vicious monopoly" he intends to break up.

"There are basically just four giants, and market competition is severely lacking," Trump wrote. "They are making life difficult for our great farmers and ranchers. I can't just sit by and do nothing, can I?"

The remarks come amid significant strain in the beef supply chain. Due to a severe shortage of cattle, Tyson has initiated a restructuring of its beef operations across multiple states, announcing the permanent closure of its meatpacking facility in Eagle Mountain, Utah, effective October 12, 2026. The shutdown is expected to result in the loss of 723 local jobs, as indicated by signage outside the plant on August 15, 2026.