Cargill Announces Layoffs Affecting 80 Employees at Headquarters

Cargill has announced plans to lay off 80 employees from its headquarters in Wayzata, Minnesota, a move that will affect approximately 1.5% of its workforce in the state. This decision comes in the wake of significant job cuts in 2024, where nearly 500 local positions were eliminated, contributing to a total of around 8,000 layoffs across the company.

The permanent layoffs are set to take effect on December 31, 2025. The company did not specify whether the affected employees are unionized or if they possess bumping rights. In a notification letter sent to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Cargill did not disclose specific roles that would be impacted. However, a spokesperson confirmed that the layoffs would primarily target “professional jobs,” including positions in human resources, finance, and customer service, rather than front-line roles in production facilities.

Strategic Restructuring Amid Financial Gains

Cargill’s CEO, Brian Sikes, stated in the company’s annual report that these layoffs are part of “strategic decisions to fuel growth” for both Cargill and its customers. The company has indicated that its restructuring efforts are intended to align resources with its critical priorities, ensuring competitiveness and delivering value to customers.

Despite these layoffs, Cargill reported improved performance across all its business segments this year. According to data from Bloomberg, the company achieved a net income of $1.94 billion for the three months ending August 31, 2023. Part of this financial gain can be attributed to the tax reforms enacted under former President Donald Trump, which reportedly added $455 million to the company’s revenue.

In recent remarks, Florian Schattenmann, Cargill’s chief technology officer and vice president for innovation and research and development, emphasized the importance of adapting to changes in the agricultural and food industry. Speaking at an event in the Twin Cities, he highlighted the need for Cargill to position itself effectively amid emerging trends, particularly in artificial intelligence and global market dynamics.

“We’re focused on how to ensure that we are best positioned to win in this environment,” Schattenmann stated. “It’s about understanding what’s happening globally and how we can leverage that for growth.”

As Cargill continues to navigate these changes, the company remains committed to its long-term strategy of building on its 160-year legacy while preparing for future opportunities. The layoffs reflect a broader trend within the organization as it seeks to streamline operations and enhance its focus on pivotal business areas.