Minnesota producers euthanizing pigs and chickens due to decreased demand from COVID-19

April 27, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s top agriculture official says producers are having to euthanize pigs and chickens because of decreased demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But state Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said Monday that Minnesota’s food supply is stable, although consumers may see some higher prices, especially if the coronavirus outbreak continues.

Minnesota’s meat processing capacity has taken a big hit as the Smitfield pork plant in Sioux Falls, and the JBS pork plant in Worthington, in southwestern Minnesota, temporarily shut down due to workers becoming sick with COVID-19.

As of Sunday, Minnesota has recorded 175 cases of COVID-19 associated with meat processing plants.