TULSA – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell said a Tyson representative confirmed the company would renew contracts with Oklahoma farmers despite a federal judge rejection on Wednesday of a proposed settlement between Attorney General Gentner Drummond and four major poultry companies: Tyson, Cargill, Peterson and George’s.

While the rejection initially signaled that major companies such as Tyson could pull their business out of Oklahoma, leaving poultry farming families facing uncertain futures, there may be light at the end of the tunnel.

“Tyson has recently offered new contracts to growers in the Illinois River Watershed whose existing contracts have expired or are nearing expiration, and Tyson expects to continue to offer new, and continue to contract with growers in the IRW moving forwar,.” Hardin said.

Hardin said he spoke with a Tyson representative Thursday morning who provided that information.

LouAnn Hays, one of the farmers who would face repercussions if Tyson were to fully withdraw from Oklahoma, said she received a phone call at 10 a.m. Thursday confirming a renewal of her contract, which is set to expire in four and a half years.

“Prayers have been answered for my family,” Hays said.

While information regarding renewals from other companies has not been confirmed, Hardin said he has been in contact with the Attorney General’s Office and plans to speak with the Adair County community and farmers as the effects of the original winter ruling take hold.

“I have contacted the Attorney General’s Office again, inquiring about his promised return to Adair County for an update on the current status of the lawsuit and his plans moving forward,” Hardin said in a Facebook post. “I’ll keep you updated.”

But the decision could disrupt the lead Drummond had held going into June 16 GOP primary.

Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. For more stories by Gaylord News go to GaylordNews.net.