June 18, 2008

Hog losses limited in Iowa floods

Initial reports and anecdotal evidence indicate limited hog death losses from the widespread flooding in Iowa since last week, a Dow Jones report indicated.

A few hog operations, mainly smaller facilities, were reportedly flooded when the Iowa River overflowed or broke through its levees near Oakville in far southeastern Iowa.

Most hog producers in the affected areas were able to move their animals to other facilities located on higher ground. However, a few were unable to do so in time. Some hogs were reportedly seen floating in the river or trying to swim to safety.

Ron Birkenholz, director of communications with the Iowa Pork Producers Association, told Dow Jones Newswires in an e-mail reply that "nearly all of the reports from producers we have are that most were able to get pigs moved to empty buildings that were not in danger of being flooded."

The number of hogs lost from the flooding is thought to be small, but that has not yet been confirmed, Birkenholz said.

The IPPA put out an alert last week to its members requesting information on empty buildings that could house relocated pigs. Although there were locations available, those offers had not been utilised, he said.

"IPPA is very pleased with the actions of our producer/members in doing everything possible to prevent mortalities," Birkenholz said. "Iowa pork producers take great pride in taking care of their livestock on a daily basis and we believe the fact that the losses are nearly non-existent is an excellent example of producers' commitment to animal care and well-being."

The Tyson Foods pork plant located in Columbus Junction, Iowa, plans to resume slaughter operation Friday provided the roads are open and pending a verification check of the water supply. Water levels in the area are receding, and roads and highways in the area are expected to be reopened soon, said company spokesman Gary Mickelson.

The Cargill Meat Solutions pork plant in Ottumwa, Iowa, was also closed late last week but operated one shift Monday and returned to both shifts Tuesday.