In an effort to help its 6,800 contract poultry producers deal with rising energy costs, Tyson Foods, Inc. has announced that it will provide them with more than $26 million in supplemental fuel payments this winter. Tyson has provided extra energy allowances to producers in the past due to increased fuel expenses; however, this season's payment will be the largest in company history.

"We all know fuel costs have risen substantially over the last two years and are projected to continue to rise this winter," Bill Lovette, senior group vice president of Poultry and Prepared Foods for Tyson Foods, said. "This is a challenge for all of us in the poultry industry, because adequate heating is essential to bird well-being, health and performance.

Tyson currently operates poultry complexes in 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.