Springdale, AK (Northwestiowanow.com) — Arkansas-based Tyson Foods, Inc has released sales and financial figures for the company’s second quarter. President and CEO Donnie King said sales were flat at 13 billion 74 million dollars, but operating income was up 27 percent to 515 million dollars and adjusted earnings per share were up 48 percent.

The company’s beef division is facing challenges because of high cattle prices. The poultry division drove profits with the best 2nd quarter in 9 years, and pork had the best quarter in 3 years with an operating margin of 55 million dollars.

King said for the entire year Tyson expects to lose 200 to 400 million dollars on beef, make 100 to 200 million dollars on pork, and see 1 to 1.3 billion dollars in profits from poultry. The long-term strategy is for Tyson to sell more valu-added ready to cook and ready-to-eat products along with the products in the meat case.

Tyson is a major employer in the corridor with both pork and turkey processing facilities in Storm Lake.