WASHINGTON (April 10, 2026) – Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) President, Ford Drummond, and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President, Gene Copenhaver, released the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma’s rejection of the state of Oklahoma’s negotiated settlement with four poultry companies in the decades-old State of Oklahoma v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al., lawsuit regarding the application of chicken litter in the Illinois River Watershed.
“Cattle producers across Oklahoma and the Illinois River Watershed are greatly disappointed by the U.S. District Court’s rejection of a settlement between Oklahoma poultry producers and the state of Oklahoma. The decades-old lawsuit relies on outdated information and fails to consider the adoption of nutrient management plans, increased efficiencies, and the adoption of voluntary conservation practices,” Drummond said.
While OCA and NCBA do not directly represent parties to the litigation, the ripple effect of this decision will reach far beyond the gates of Oklahoma broiler operations. Not only does this decision deal a death blow to poultry farmers across the state, but will severely impact all of Oklahoma agriculture, and any livestock operation that manages manure.
“The District Court’s holding creates significant economic risk for farmers and ranchers throughout the Illinois River Watershed, while also diminishing faith in the nutrient management plan as a reliable tool for environmental compliance and regulatory protection,” Copenhaver said.
NCBA and OCA will continue to work hard on behalf of all cattle producers who find themselves impacted by this decision and are prepared to support the appeal of the U.S. District Court’s decision to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
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