December 10, 2009

Poor weather conditions hinder America's swine industry

Heavy snow and frigid winds are causing blizzard-like conditions across much of Iowa and parts of neighbouring states, resulting in the closure of some pork plants and slow operations at others.

In some areas, road crews have been told to report back to their bases because of poor visibility, with the wind blowing the snow back on the roads as fast as they can remove it, according to local news reports.

In Des Moines, Iowa, the USDA's Market News office will not open on time, if at all, according to department officials.

Analysts and livestock dealers say the day's hog slaughter may be reduced by around 100,000 head. Many of the affected plants are expected to operate Saturday.

Snow and strong winds will make transportation of hogs to market difficult at best over Iowa, according to DTN's Early Ag Watch report.

The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning and winter storm warning for most of Iowa and into Wisconsin late Tuesday for overnight and into Wednesday.