Meat Shortage Ahead

Vegans won't care about this post.

But fellow meat-eaters will.


(April 12)  Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced today that its Sioux Falls, SD facility will remain closed until further notice. The plant is one of the largest pork processing facilities in the U.S., representing four to five percent of U.S. pork production. It supplies nearly 130 million servings of food per week, or about 18 million servings per day, and employs 3,700 people. More than 550 independent family farmers supply the plant.

“The closure of this facility, combined with a growing list of other protein plants that have shuttered across our industry, is pushing our country perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply. It is impossible to keep our grocery stores stocked if our plants are not running. These facility closures will also have severe, perhaps disastrous, repercussions for many in the supply chain, first and foremost our nation’s livestock farmers. These farmers have nowhere to send their animals,” said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer, for Smithfield.



Note that he only mentions "pork".

While I love a good pork chop, I prefer chicken and beef over piggies.

That said, I found this from the National Cattlemens Beef Association:

Q: What impact is COVID-19 having on the beef supply? 

Cattle farmers and ranchers continue to produce high-quality beef.

As COVID-19 continues to spread and impact economic activity, there is a great deal of uncertainty in terms of what it means for the beef industry, including on supply and demand.

At this time, it’s impossible to measure the full effects of the virus or determine how it may continue to unfold.

(https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/newsroom/covid-19-faqs)

Very lacking in details.  Because details simply aren't know.  The situation is evolving hour-by-hour.


More info on meat supply:


We are in chaos right now.  Stay calm, folks.


Grace & Peace & Love to you all -

Matt