By Associated Press
Idabel, OK – Okla growers win $7.3M verdict against Tyson
IDABEL, Okla. (AP) Ten Oklahoma poultry growers have won a $7.3 million judgment against Tyson Foods Inc., which the growers claimed used unethical practices.
The three-week trial in McCurtain County ended Friday, with the jury ruling for the growers. It was the first of several similar lawsuits in Idabel to come to trial against Tyson.
Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson says it will appeal.
The growers claimed Tyson pressured them into borrowing heavily to build new chicken houses but paid less than the growers needed to break even.
Tyson employs 1,100 people in McCurtain County and said 225 contract growers raise birds for its plant in Broken Bow. Tyson is spending $29 million to upgrade that facility.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com