February 7, 2014
Cargill’s beef processing plant in Schuyler, Nebraska, closed early Thursday due to a fire and ammonia leak.
According to reports, the cause of the fire and leak is unknown, and damage to the facility is still being assessed.
The plant processes roughly 5,000 head of cattle a day.
A Cargill spokesman said the company was working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to determine when the plant can reopen, which could be as early as Friday.
Related Stories
Record crops are increasing grain storage needs, prompting safety experts to remind producers of the risk of grain bin entrapment during harvest.
The impacts of the government shutdown have reached commodity growers with crops to move, ag economists monitoring the harvest without key data reporting, and meat producers in need of new export markets.
In a statement provided to RFD-TV News, a USDA spokesperson reiterated President Trump and the USDA’s commitment to farmers in difficult economic times.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, notes that many heart-related conditions can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
Industry leaders say $11 billion in new investments could turn the tide as dairy producers face shrinking margins and growing uncertainty.
Expect firmer shop prices, leaner inventories, and selective hiring in ag-adjacent businesses — plan parts, service, and financing needs earlier.