Jennie-O lays off 233 workers in Faribault due to bird flu

Last edited Tue May 5, 2015, 06:50 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: Pioneer Press/Twin Cities

Jennie-O Turkey Store says it's laying off 233 employees at its processing plant in the southern Minnesota city of Faribault because of bird flu outbreaks that have cut the number of available turkeys.
because of bird flu outbreaks that have cut the number of available turkeys.

In a statement Tuesday, the country's second-largest turkey processor said the Faribault plant will switch to a single shift for the foreseeable future. But plant manager Randy Vergin says the layoffs will be temporary, and that the company intends to recall everyone to work when turkey supplies return to normal levels.

Willmar-based Jennie-O is a division of Austin-based Hormel Foods Corp. The company has been hard hit by the outbreaks, which have affected over 40 company-owned or contract farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Read more: http://www.twincities.com/nation/ci_28052167/jennie-o-lays-off-233-workers-faribault-due

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U.S. bird flu outbreak may mean no turkey for Thanksgiving
Source: Globe and Mail

The largest-ever U.S. outbreak of avian influenza, which has devastated Midwestern poultry and egg producers in recent weeks, could be felt at Thanksgiving tables across the nation come November, farmers and some trade groups say.

The virulent H5N2 strain has already spread to 14 states and led to the deaths or scheduled euthanizations of more than 21 million birds, including 3.3 million turkeys in Minnesota, the nation’s top turkey producer.

And now, with Thanksgiving just seven months away, farmers say they may be running out of time to raise enough turkeys –the traditional centerpiece of holiday feasts – to meet the demand.

Once a farm has been infected, flocks must be culled, composted in barns, then disposed of. Buildings must then be thoroughly disinfected. The whole process can take up to three months before a new flock of turkey poults can be brought in, said Steve Olson, executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association.


Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/bird-flu-outbreak-may-mean-no-turkey-for-thanksgiving/article24252548/