Missouri Pork Association: Millions of Pigs to be Euthanized

Though the Missouri Pork Association (MPA) applauded President Trump’s signing of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to extend funding to pork producers, problems apparently lie ahead.

“Hog values have plummeted, and hog farmers are facing liquidation of their farms without immediate relief, including expanded financial aid without payment limitations,” said Marcus Belshe, the MPA’s chairman. “Getting pork packing plants back online is the priority. However, the tragic reality is that millions of hogs may not enter the food supply and if we must euthanize pigs we have to do so in an orderly, ethical and safe way.”

Many pork-processing plants around the country, including in Kansas and Missouri have shut down due to COVID-19 cases in their facilities.