Smithfield Foods to Close Bulk of Operation in Beaver County, Utah Impacting Estimated 250+ Workers

June 21, 2022 Ashley Imlay, KSL.com

Smithfield Foods announced Friday it is closing the majority of its operation in Beaver County, prompting an outcry from the rural community.

Smithfield to Close Vernon Plant Due to Rising California Costs

June 16, 2022 Smithfield

Smithfield Foods, the largest pork processor in the world, will close its Vernon, California, plant and reduce its hog herd in the West, the company announced.

Recent Activities Surrounding the USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Initiatives

April 13, 2022 USDA AMS

This notice is intended to brief you on the recent activities around the USDA Meat and Poultry Processing initiatives for creating a fairer, more competitive, and more resilient meat and poultry supply chains.

USDA Announces More Resources to Increase and Expand Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity

March 25, 2022 USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the launch of the Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA) to provide technical assistance to meat and poultry grant applicants and grant-funded projects. Processors and applicants involved with the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program and the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) can access this technical assistance. USDA also announced it is now accepting applications for $23.6 million in competitive grant funding available through the MPIRG program.

Meatpacker Protection Bill Killed by Senate Committee

March 4, 2022 Jacob Newton, KELO

On a 7-1 vote, the South Dakota Senate Commerce and Energy Committee sent SB 145, ‘An Act to provide protection and workplace safety for meat and poultry processing workers’ to the 41st day of the session, essentially killing the legislation.