<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 1996
Registration No. ______
___________________________________________________________________________
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_______________________
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
______________________
TYSON FOODS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 71-0225165
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
2210 West Oaklawn Drive
Springdale, Arkansas 72762-6999
(501) 290-4000
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, zip code and telephone number)
______________________
THE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
OF TYSON FOODS, INC.
(full title of the plan)
______________________
Gerald Johnston Copies of Communications to:
2210 West Oaklawn Drive Les R. Baledge, Esq.
Springdale, Arkansas 72762-6999 Jeffrey J. Gearhart, Esq.
(501) 290-4000 Rose Law Firm
(Name, address, including zip code) A Professional Association
and telephone number, including 120 East Fourth Street
area code, of agent for service) Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
(501) 375-9131
<TABLE>
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<CAPTION>
Title of Amount to Proposed Proposed Amount of
Securities be Maximum Maximum Registration
to be Registered Offering Price Aggregate Offering Fee
Registered Per Share Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A 4,000,000 Shares (2) $23.00 (3) $92,000,000 $31,724.14(3)
Common Stock
(par value $.10)(1)
<FN>
(1) In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933,
this registration statement also covers (to the extent applicable to
the Plan) an indeterminate amount of interests to be offered or sold
pursuant to the Plan.
(2) The shares of Class A Common Stock being registered consist of shares
to be acquired by the Plan for the accounts of individual participants.
(3) Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(c) based upon the average of the high
and low prices for the common stock as reported by the Nasdaq Stock
Market's National Market on March 28, 1996.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS
ITEM 1. PLAN INFORMATION*
ITEM 2. REGISTRANT INFORMATION AND EMPLOYEE PLAN ANNUAL INFORMATION*
* Information required by Part 1 to be contained in the Section 10(a)
prospectus is omitted from the registration statement in accordance with
Rule 428 under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Note to Part 1 of
Form S-8.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed by Tyson Foods, Inc. ("Registrant" or
"Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated by
reference in this registration statement:
(1) Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1995 (the "Form 10-K") filed pursuant to Section 13(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").
(2) Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
December 30, 1995.
(3) The description of registrant's Common Stock contained in
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, as amended and restated,
and as supplemented by the description contained in Amendment No. 1 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission
on July 27, 1992 (Commission File No. 33-49368) and any amendment or report
filed for the purpose of updating such description.
In addition, all documents subsequently filed by registrant pursuant
to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the
filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities
offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining
unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
registration statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of
such documents.
ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Company's By-laws provide that the Company shall indemnify and
hold harmless its directors and officers to the fullest extent legally
permissible under and pursuant to any procedure specified in the Delaware
General Corporation Law ("DGCL") against all expenses, liabilities, and
losses incurred in connection with their service or status as directors and
officers. Such indemnification would also extend to liabilities arising
from actions taken by directors or officers when serving at the request of
the Company as a director or officer of another corporation, or as its
representative in a partnership, joint venture or other enterprise.
2
<PAGE>
Section 145 of the DGCL, as currently in effect, sets forth the
indemnification rights of directors and officers of Delaware corporations.
Under such provision, a director or officer of a corporation (i) shall be
indemnified by the corporation for all expenses of litigation or other
legal proceedings when he is successful on the merits or otherwise,
(ii) may be indemnified by the corporation for the expenses, judgments,
fines and amounts paid in settlement of such litigation (other than a
derivative suit) even if he is not successful on the merits if he acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed
to the best interests of the corporation (and, in the case of a criminal
proceeding, had no reason to believe his conduct was unlawful), and
(iii) may be indemnified by the corporation for expenses of a derivative
suit (a suit by a stockholder alleging a breach by a director or officer of
a duty owed to the corporation), even if he is not successful on the
merits, if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to
be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, provided
that no such indemnification may be made in accordance with this clause
(iii) if the director or officer is adjudged liable to the corporation,
unless and only to the extent that a court determines that, despite such
adjudication but in view of all of the circumstances, he is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnification of such expenses. The
indemnification described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above shall be made
only upon a determination by (i) a majority of a quorum of disinterested
directors, (ii) independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iii) the
stockholders, that indemnification is proper because the applicable
standard of conduct is met.
The effect of the indemnification provisions contained in the
Company's By-laws is to require the Company to indemnify its directors and
officers under circumstances where such indemnification would otherwise be
discretionary and to extend to the Company's directors and officers the
benefits of Delaware law dealing with director and officer indemnification,
as well as any future changes which might occur under Delaware law in this
area.
The Company's By-laws specify that the indemnification rights granted
thereunder are enforceable contract rights which are not exclusive of any
other indemnification rights that the director or officer may have under an
agreement, provision of law, vote of stockholders or otherwise. As
permitted by Section 145(g) of the DGCL, the Company's By-laws also
authorize the Company to purchase directors' and officers' insurance for
the benefit of its past and present directors and officers, irrespective of
whether the Company has the power to indemnify such persons under Delaware
law. The Company currently maintains such insurance as allowed by these
provisions.
The Company's By-laws also provide that expenses incurred by a
director or officer in defending a civil or criminal lawsuit or proceeding
arising out of actions taken in his official capacity, or in certain other
capacities, will be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition
of the matter upon receipt of an undertaking from the director or officer
to repay the sum advanced if it is ultimately determined that he is not
entitled to be indemnified by the Company pursuant to applicable provisions
of the DGCL.
As noted above, the Company's directors and officers have certain
indemnity rights under the Company's By-laws and the DGCL and are protected
3
<PAGE>
from certain other liabilities by the Company's existing directors' and
officers' insurance. The Company has also entered into supplemental
indemnification agreements with its directors and with certain officers
designated by the Board of Directors (collectively the "Indemnitees"),
which broaden the scope of indemnity that has traditionally been provided
by the Company to such persons under the terms of its By-laws and the DGCL.
The indemnification agreements with the Indemnitees provide that,
subject to certain important exceptions, the Indemnitees shall be
indemnified to the fullest possible extent permitted by law against any
amount which they become legally obligated to pay because of any act or
omission or neglect or breach of duty. Such amount includes all expenses
(including attorneys' fees), damages, judgments, costs and settlement
amounts, actually and reasonably incurred or paid by them in any action or
proceeding, including any action by or in the right of the Company, on
account of their service as a director or officer of the Company or any
subsidiary of the Company. The indemnification agreements further provide
that expenses incurred by the Indemnitees in defending such actions, in
accordance with the terms of the agreements, shall be paid in advance,
subject to the Indemnitees' obligation to reimburse the Company in the
event it is ultimately determined that they are not entitled to be
indemnified for such expenses under any of the provisions of the
indemnification agreements.
No indemnification is provided under the indemnification agreements on
account of conduct which is adjudged to be deliberately dishonest and
material to establishing the liability for which indemnification is sought.
In addition, no indemnification is provided if a final court adjudication
shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful, or in respect of
any suit in which judgment is rendered for an accounting of profits made
from a purchase or sale of securities of the Company in violation of
Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, or of any similar statutory provision,
or on account of any remuneration, personal profit or advantage which is
adjudged to have been obtained in violation of law. The indemnification
agreements also contain provisions designed to protect the Company from
unreasonable settlements or redundant legal expenditures.
The indemnification agreements also provide for contribution by the
Company, with certain exceptions, to amounts paid by the Indemnitees in any
situation in which the Company and such individuals are jointly liable (or
would be if the Company were joined in the litigation) if for any reason
indemnification is not available. Such contribution would be based on the
relative benefits to the Company and the individuals of the transaction
from which liability arose, and on the relative fault in the transaction of
the Company and the individuals. This provision could be applicable in the
event a court found that indemnification under the federal securities laws
is against public policy and thus not enforceable, as well as under state
laws.
The indemnification agreements provide for substantially broader
indemnity rights than those currently granted to the directors and officers
of the Company under the Company's By-laws, which afforded directors and
officers only those express indemnification rights set forth in Section 145
of the DGCL. They are not intended to deny or otherwise limit third party
or derivative suits against the Company or its directors or officers.
However, to the extent a director or officer were entitled to
indemnification or contribution thereunder, the financial burden of a third
party suit would be borne by the Company, and the Company would not benefit
4
<PAGE>
from derivative recoveries since the amount of such recoveries would be
repaid to the director or officer pursuant to the agreements.
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS
See Index to Exhibits on page 8.
In lieu of the opinion of counsel or determination letter contemplated
by Item 601(b)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K, registrant hereby confirms that it
has submitted the Plan and undertakes that it will submit all amendments
thereto to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") in a timely manner, and
that it has made or will make all changes required by the IRS in order to
qualify the Plan under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code.
ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made of the securities registered hereby, a post-effective amendment
to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3)
of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most
recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
this registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to
the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration
statement or any material change to such information in this registration
statement;
provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)
and (a)(1)(ii) above do not apply if the information required to be
included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in
periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by
reference in this registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby further undertakes that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933,
each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where
5
<PAGE>
applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report
pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions,
or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense
of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
6
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it
meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused
this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Springdale, State of Arkansas, on
the 1st day of April, 1996.
TYSON FOODS, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Gerald Johnston
-------------------
Gerald Johnston,
Executive Vice President,
Finance
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Don Tyson * Senior Chairman of
- --------------------------------- the Board April 1, 1996
Don Tyson
/s/ Leland E. Tollett Chief Executive
- --------------------------------- Officer and Chairman
Leland E. Tollett of the Board April 1, 1996
/s/ Donald E. Wray President, Chief
- --------------------------------- Operating Officer April 1, 1996
Donald E. Wray and Director
/s/ John H. Tyson President, Beef and
- --------------------------------- Pork Division and
John H. Tyson Director April 1, 1996
/s/ Shelby D. Massey *
- ---------------------------------
Shelby D. Massey Director April 1, 1996
/s/ Joe F. Starr *
- ---------------------------------
Joe F. Starr Director April 1, 1996
/s/ Neely Cassady *
- ---------------------------------
Neely Cassady Director April 1, 1996
7
<PAGE>
/s/ Fred S. Vorsanger *
- ---------------------------------
Fred S. Vorsanger Director April 1, 1996
/s/ Barbara Tyson *
- ---------------------------------
Barbara Tyson Director April 1, 1996
/s/ Lloyd V. Hackley *
- ---------------------------------
Lloyd V. Hackley Director April 1, 1996
/s/ Gerald Johnston Executive Vice
- --------------------------------- President, Finance
Gerald Johnston (Principal Financial
Officer) April 1, 1996
/s/ James G. Ennis Corporate Controller
- --------------------------------- (Chief Accounting
James G. Ennis Officer) April 1, 1996
*By: /s/ Gerald Johnston
-------------------------------------
Gerald Johnston, Attorney-in-Fact
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Tyson
Foods, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned trustee, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Springdale and State of Arkansas on the 1st
day of April, 1996.
THE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN OF
TYSON FOODS, INC.
By:/s/ Gerald Johnston
---------------------------------
Gerald Johnston, Trustee
8
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT PAGE
(5) Opinion regarding legality (not required pursuant
to Item 8-A of Form S-8)
(23) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors 10
(24) Powers of Attorney 11-20
9
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Exhibit 23
Consent of Independent Auditors
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the Retirement Savings Plan of Tyson Foods, Inc. of
our reports dated November 13, 1995, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Tyson Foods, Inc. included in or
incorporated by reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
September 30, 1995, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
- ----------------------
Ernst & Young LLP
Little Rock, Arkansas
April 1, 1996
10
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and
appoints Leland Tollett and/or Gerald Johnston, severally, his true and
lawful attorney in fact and agent with full powers of substitution and
resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities to sign a registration statement on Form S-8, and any or all
amendments or supplements thereto, to be filed by Tyson Foods, Inc. (the
"Company") with respect to the purchase of shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock, $.10 par value per share, on behalf of the Retirement Savings
Plan of Tyson Foods, Inc., and to file same with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorney in fact and agent, full powers and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully for all intents
and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney in fact and agent or his substitute(s),
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Shelby D. Massey Director March 27, 1996
- --------------------
Shelby D. Massey
11
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and
appoints Leland Tollett and/or Gerald Johnston, severally, his true and
lawful attorney in fact and agent with full powers of substitution and
resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities to sign a registration statement on Form S-8, and any or all
amendments or supplements thereto, to be filed by Tyson Foods, Inc. (the
"Company") with respect to the purchase of shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock, $.10 par value per share, on behalf of the Retirement Savings
Plan of Tyson Foods, Inc., and to file same with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorney in fact and agent, full powers and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully for all intents
and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney in fact and agent or his substitute(s),
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Joe F. Starr Director March 29, 1996
- ----------------
Joe F. Starr
12
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and
appoints Leland Tollett and/or Gerald Johnston, severally, his true and
lawful attorney in fact and agent with full powers of substitution and
resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities to sign a registration statement on Form S-8, and any or all
amendments or supplements thereto, to be filed by Tyson Foods, Inc. (the
"Company") with respect to the purchase of shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock, $.10 par value per share, on behalf of the Retirement Savings
Plan of Tyson Foods, Inc., and to file same with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorney in fact and agent, full powers and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully for all intents
and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney in fact and agent or his substitute(s),
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Neely Cassady Director March 29, 1996
- -----------------
Neely Cassady
13
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and
appoints Leland Tollett and/or Gerald Johnston, severally, his true and
lawful attorney in fact and agent with full powers of substitution and
resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities to sign a registration statement on Form S-8, and any or all
amendments or supplements thereto, to be filed by Tyson Foods, Inc. (the
"Company") with respect to the purchase of shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock, $.10 par value per share, on behalf of the Retirement Savings
Plan of Tyson Foods, Inc., and to file same with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorney in fact and agent, full powers and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully for all intents
and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney in fact and agent or his substitute(s),
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Fred S. Vorsanger Director March 28, 1996
- ---------------------
Fred S. Vorsanger
14
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and
appoints Leland Tollett and/or Gerald Johnston, severally, his true and
lawful attorney in fact and agent with full powers of substitution and
resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities to sign a registration statement on Form S-8, and any or all
amendments or supplements thereto, to be filed by Tyson Foods, Inc. (the
"Company") with respect to the purchase of shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock, $.10 par value per share, on behalf of the Retirement Savings
Plan of Tyson Foods, Inc., and to file same with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorney in fact and agent, full powers and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully for all intents
and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney in fact and agent or his substitute(s),
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Barbara Tyson Director March 26, 1996
- -----------------
Barbara Tyson
15
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and
appoints Leland Tollett and/or Gerald Johnston, severally, his true and
lawful attorney in fact and agent with full powers of substitution and
resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities to sign a registration statement on Form S-8, and any or all
amendments or supplements thereto, to be filed by Tyson Foods, Inc. (the
"Company") with respect to the purchase of shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock, $.10 par value per share, on behalf of the Retirement Savings
Plan of Tyson Foods, Inc., and to file same with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorney in fact and agent, full powers and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully for all intents
and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney in fact and agent or his substitute(s),
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Lloyd V. Hackley Director March 26, 1996
- --------------------
Lloyd V. Hackley
16
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and
appoints Leland Tollett and/or Gerald Johnston, severally, his true and
lawful attorney in fact and agent with full powers of substitution and
resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities to sign a registration statement on Form S-8, and any or all
amendments or supplements thereto, to be filed by Tyson Foods, Inc. (the
"Company") with respect to the purchase of shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock, $.10 par value per share, on behalf of the Retirement Savings
Plan of Tyson Foods, Inc., and to file same with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorney in fact and agent, full powers and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully for all intents
and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney in fact and agent or his substitute(s),
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Donald J. Tyson Director March 29, 1996
- -------------------
Donald J. Tyson
17
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and
appoints Gerald Johnston, severally, his true and lawful attorney in fact
and agent with full powers of substitution and resubstitution for him and
in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign a
registration statement on Form S-8, and any or all amendments or
supplements thereto, to be filed by Tyson Foods, Inc. (the "Company") with
respect to the purchase of shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock,
$.10 par value per share, on behalf of the Retirement Savings Plan of Tyson
Foods, Inc., and to file same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorney in fact and agent, full powers and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully for all intents
and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney in fact and agent or his substitute(s),
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Leland Tollett Director March 26, 1996
- ------------------
Leland Tollett
18
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and
appoints Leland Tollett and/or Gerald Johnston, severally, his true and
lawful attorney in fact and agent with full powers of substitution and
resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities to sign a registration statement on Form S-8, and any or all
amendments or supplements thereto, to be filed by Tyson Foods, Inc. (the
"Company") with respect to the purchase of shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock, $.10 par value per share, on behalf of the Retirement Savings
Plan of Tyson Foods, Inc., and to file same with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorney in fact and agent, full powers and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully for all intents
and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney in fact and agent or his substitute(s),
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ John H. Tyson Director March 26, 1996
- -----------------
John H. Tyson
19
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned constitutes and
appoints Leland Tollett and/or Gerald Johnston, severally, his true and
lawful attorney in fact and agent with full powers of substitution and
resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities to sign a registration statement on Form S-8, and any or all
amendments or supplements thereto, to be filed by Tyson Foods, Inc. (the
"Company") with respect to the purchase of shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock, $.10 par value per share, on behalf of the Retirement Savings
Plan of Tyson Foods, Inc., and to file same with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorney in fact and agent, full powers and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully for all intents
and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney in fact and agent or his substitute(s),
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Donald E. Wray Director March 27, 1996
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Donald E. Wray
20
