The National Pork Producers Council is asking for a longer stay of the court order that goes into effect June 29 slowing line speeds at pork processing plants. Dr. Steve Meyer, Economist with Partners for Production Agriculture says the economic impact that will hit pork producers will likely be in the fourth quarter.
ISU Economist Dr. Dermot Hayes estimated pork producers will be hit by the tune of about $80 million in reduced income by the slow down in the line speeds. Meyer says the USDA dropped the ball on this problem.
Meyer says the decision on the line speeds should be determined by the facts and all indications are there aren’t any safety issues with those speeds.
The court ruling will result in a 2.5 percent loss in pork packing plant capacity nationwide. The order will also reduce NSIS line speeds by as much as 25 percent.
