Major changes were happening in the chicken industry. Americans were recognizing the nutritional benefits of chicken and per capita consumption was rapidly increasing. Tyson's Foods entered the decade with an annual broiler production of 72 million and the company's initial appearance on the Fortune 1000. In 1971, the company name was changed to Tyson Foods, Inc.
Soon, a computerized feed mill in Springdale, Arkansas; a new processing plant at Nashville, Arkansas; and two more acquisitions nearly doubled the size of the company. In 1974, the poultry industry suffered a devastating year. Grain shortages, combined with huge exports to the Soviet Union, drove prices through the ceiling. Tyson was not immune to the marked decline. However, as in previous tough climates, the company weathered the storm.
 More new acquisitions in poultry, a bold leap into the hog-farming business, and a record year in sales led to a four-for-one stock split in 1978. Tyson continued to depart from the commodities market, focusing more and more on value-added products. At the close of the '70s, Tyson was producing 4.5 million birds per week, or 234 million per year. The company was also the nation's largest hog producer.
Tyson continued the growth by acquisition strategy with the purchases of Krispy Kitchens, Ocoma Foods, Vantress Pedigree and the Wilson Food Corporation.
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