Overview

• Thomas Foods International has halted operations at its Lobethal facility, standing down hundreds of production workers indefinitely due to severe livestock shortages.
• A prolonged drought across South Australia has sharply reduced sheep supply, with industry projections indicating recovery will not occur before 2027.
• Affected employees have been offered redeployment opportunities at TFI’s other processing sites in South Australia.
• South Australian MP Dan Cregan and AMIEU SA secretary Justin Smith have urged the company to provide clearer plans and support for the regional workforce.
• TFI, one of Australia’s largest meat processors with over 3,000 employees and a $3 billion turnover, says it remains committed to long-term operations in the Adelaide Hills once stock levels rebound.