Cargill recently announced that they are laying off around 5% of their around 160,000 employees, impacting approximately 8,000 workers globally. The company has additionally confirmed plans to terminate about 475 employees at its Wayzata, Minnesota headquarters starting February 5, 2025. Since thousands of employees will be receiving severance packages in the coming months, it's important for those potentially affected to understand what they can expect. If you're at risk of being impacted by these cuts, we have prepared guides with layoff resources to help you plan for the future. We will give an overview based on past layoff trends at Cargill as well as how Cargill's severance package in 2025 stacks up compared to competitors. Additionally, by sharing your severance offer on fired.fyi, you can see how your package compares to others to help you negotiate the severance you deserve.

Cargill Layoffs 2025: What We Know So Far

Brian Sikes, President and CEO of Cargill, stated that these workforce reductions are part of a broader effort to realign company priorities amidst challenging economic conditions. Layoffs began in December 2024 and will continue into early 2025. Higher-paid employees with significant tenure are reportedly more likely to be affected, indicating the layoff's primary purpose is cost cutting. Executives will not be affected, but other senior leaders will lose their jobs.

Breakdown of Cargill's Previous Severance Packages

Cargill Severance Trends in Past Years

Cargill has maintained a consistent approach to severance packages over the past two decades, providing affected employees with predictable benefits during transitions. Here's a detailed breakdown of Cargill's typical severance structure in the United States:

• Two weeks of pay for every completed year of service
• Minimum payout of 6-8 weeks
• Maximum payout capped at 52 weeks
• Full health insurance coverage during the 60-day notice period
• Severance payments begin after the notice period ends

How Cargill's Layoffs Compare Across the Industry

Looking at peer companies in the agricultural and food processing industry, Cargill's offerings stand up well to comparison:

Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods has recently handled several major facility closures, including their Emporia, Kansas plant. Their severance packages typically include:

• Base severance payment based on years of service
• Healthcare continuation for a defined period
• Job search assistance and placement services
• Relocation support for transfers to other facilities

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)

ADM has taken a different approach during their recent restructuring efforts. While specific details aren't public, their focus on cost control while supporting transitions suggests more limited severance benefits:

• Standard severance based on position and tenure
• Basic outplacement services
• Limited benefit continuation
• Focus on internal transfers where possible

What to Expect from Cargill's Severance Packages in 2025

Based on Cargill's historical practices and current industry conditions, US-based employees can expect the following components in their 2025 severance packages:

Financial Compensation

• Two weeks of base pay per year of service
• 6-8 weeks minimum severance
• 52 weeks maximum severance
• Payment for unused PTO
• 60-day paid notice period with no work expectations

Healthcare Benefits

• Full health insurance coverage during the notice period
• Possible COBRA coverage assistance

Conclusion

While we await the official terms of Cargill's 2025 severance packages, you can submit previous offers to access our severance comparison database. Given their history of consistent severance practices during downsizing, the 2025 approach likely won't deviate dramatically. If you receive a package, remember to share your offer to optimize your exit. When in doubt about any aspect of the layoff process or your package, don't hesitate to seek legal counsel.

Best of luck during this challenging period.