More plant closures add pressure to U.S. meat sector

Smithfield’s decision to close a South Dakota pork plant indefinitely highlights the challenges meat processors are facing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Almost 300 employees at the plant tested positive for the virus, out of 730 cases in the state. Executives decided April 12 to close until further notice, after receiving a request to temporarily close from the state’s governor and the mayor of Sioux Falls. The plant employs about 3,700 workers.

“The closure of this facility, combined with a growing list of other protein plants that have shuttered across our industry, is pushing our country perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply,” said Kenneth Sullivan, Smithfield’s president and CEO.

Smithfield’s announcement came just before JBS USA’s announcement that a Colorado beef plant would close until April 24, while the 6,000 employees who work there self-quarantine. They’ll continue to receive pay while they’re at home.

“While the Greeley beef facility is critical to the U.S. food supply and local producers, the continued spread of coronavirus in Weld County [where the plant is located] requires decisive action,” said JBS USA’s CEO, Andre Nogueira.

Operations at several other companies have been affected during the pandemic response. Cargill reduced shifts at an Alberta plant. Tyson and Wayne Farms confirmed new cases among employees.

Tyson purchased 150 infrared walk-through temperature scanners to detect potential cases of COVID-19 among its employees. It’s still possible workers have the virus even if they don’t have a fever, so the company has taken other measures to decrease the risk of viral spread among employees.