JBS USA to partially reopen Worthington pork facility

Global food company JBS USA has announced the partial re-opening of its pork production facility in Worthington, Minnesota.

Earlier this month, JBS USA indefinitely closed its pork production facility in Worthington, Minnesota, due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

The company noted that the temporary closures in the US have led to decreased production levels at pork processing facilities.

This has led US-based producers with limited options for market-ready hogs.

According to the company, the limited reopening will offer a humane euthanasia option for market hogs to producers during the pandemic.

JBS USA Pork president Bob Krebs said: “While our focus is on getting the Worthington facility back to work on behalf of our team members producing food for the nation, we believe we have a responsibility to step up when our producer partners are in need.

“We commend US Representative Collin Peterson, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach for their leadership and partnership in helping make this option available to our community and our producers during these difficult times.”

The company will be operating the facility with a reduced staff of approximately ten to 20 team members.

The humane euthanasia process will be managed by the company’s team members in collaboration with federal, state and local veterinary officials.

JBS USA hopes that 13,000 hogs would be euthanised on a day-to-day basis.

Krebs added: “None of us wants to euthanise hogs, but our producers are facing a terrible, unprecedented situation,”

“We will do everything in our power to work with the state of Minnesota to responsibly reopen our facility as soon as possible in support of producers who desperately require a more viable option for their hogs.”