Challenging hog production market conditions compounded by sow herd health issues are resulting in the reported closure of 37 sow farms owned by Smithfield Foods Inc., in Missouri.
An employee who spoke on condition of anonymity told KTVO News the company president announced that Smithfield is closing its sow farms in Putnam and Mercer counties starting May 1.
“We are always taking steps to enhance our business for consistently strong performance through favorable and unfavorable market conditions,” Smithfield vice president of corporate communications Jim Monroe told Farm Journal’s PORK.
Smithfield has 132 company-owned farms and a roster of 109 contract farms in Missouri, Meatingplace reports. In addition, they have a lease farm and eight feed mills. The company operates a hog processing plant in Milan, Mo., as well.
The company told producers that there are significantly more open positions at Smithfield than there are individuals impacted by the actions taken in the Missouri hog production region.
