With farmers pressed by plant closing, JBS Worthington begins killing pigs without processing them

Apr 30, 20200

Aaron Lavinsky - Star Tribune count

A small crew at the JBS Worthington Pork Plant began to euthanize pigs Wednesday without processing them into food products. The move is designed to help farmers who would routinely be sending animals to market but can't because the plant is closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

JBS USA on Wednesday reopened its Worthington pork plant with a skeleton crew to euthanize hogs - but not process them - while government, union and company leaders determine how to resume meat production without jeopardizing workers.

With several large pork plants shuttered across the country due to COVID-19 outbreaks, some hog farmers are unable to maintain the routine of sending pigs to market. Meanwhile, new pigs are born every day and their barns quickly become jammed.

https://www.startribune.com/with-farmers-pressed-by-plant-closing-jbs-worthington-begins-killing-pigs-without-processing-them/570053952/