Pork Producers Bracing for Supply Chain Backup

The shutdown of several pork processing plants across the Midwest, especially Smithfield’s facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is causing a backup of hogs at pork operations. That’s resulting in added stress on producers who were already dealing with lean economic conditions.

South Dakota State University Swine Specialist Doctor Bob Thaler says one way to deal with that backup is to put hogs into a holding pattern until processing plants re-open…

Thaler says pork producers use what’s called an in and out procedure with their animals to ensure the health of the animals. He adds that a schedule needs to be followed to get those hogs to market…

Swine Specialist Bob Thaler at South Dakota State University also says it’s important producers and their workers keep safe during this pandemic and to make sure there’s a backup plan in place so they can maintain the principles of keeping animals healthy.