Investigation of Tyson Foods expected to go into 2003

(Springdale, Arkansas-AP) -- A federal investigation into Tyson Foods' decision to end contracts with 132 hog farmers in Oklahoma and Arkansas is expected to continue into next year. <br><br>The U-S

Monday, December 9th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Springdale, Arkansas-AP) -- A federal investigation into Tyson Foods' decision to end contracts with 132 hog farmers in Oklahoma and Arkansas is expected to continue into next year.

The U-S Department of Agriculture is investigating whether Tyson violated a law prohibiting unfair, deceptive and fraudulent practices by hog production contractors, packers, stockyards and others.

Agriculture Department spokesman Greg Hawkins says the investigation won't be finished for at least several more weeks.

The investigation began after Arkansas-based company announced in August it would terminate contracts with 132 hog farmers in eastern Oklahoma and in Arkansas.

More than 80 of the farmers then filed a lawsuit saying Tyson defrauded them.