A new executive order in South Dakota allows hog farmers to humanely hold onto pigs a little longer than normal. “This will only work on the lighter weight market hogs,” explained Glenn Muller, executive director, South Dakota Pork Producers Council. “For a short time, farmers can increase the number of pigs in the barn without being in violation of the general permit. That stipulation will be waived for 60 days.” Packing plants are shutting down due to the coronavirus, leaving market-ready pigs without a home. Heavier weight hogs are a perishable product and farmers are making ration adjustments to minimize a hog’s weight gain. Muller said there are pigs weighing beyond 300 pounds in barns and this isn’t normal. “That’s a crisis situation. Not only is it difficult for the pigs, it’s hard for the equipment and those folks working with pigs.” Muller said euthanizing hogs is a last resort for producers.
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