Dairies
Dairies are facing both a lack of demand from restaurants and other businesses as well as a lack of processing capacity as facilities have closed. This has forced some dairies and processing facilities to dispose of milk.
How to dispose of excess milk during the COVID-19 crisis (wq-f6-81)
Swine
Due to COVID-19 concerns, some pork processing plants are either closing or reducing production, resulting in a major bottleneck for live hogs. Producers who hold back hogs must notify the MPCA with requests via the COVID-19 email portal for approval to exceed permit numbers and stocking density for up to 45 days, with extensions if requested later. Refer to the factsheet for details.
Swine industry regulatory flexibility during the COVID-19 crisis (wq-f6-82)
Webex: Pork producers regulatory flexibility (April 14)Recorded session (30 min.)
Livestock carcass disposal
- Livestock carcass disposal (wq-f6-07b)
- Map of landfills that could potentially accept livestock carcasses, with contact information
- More information about carcass disposal from the Minnesota Board of Animal Health
Related: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is working to identify opportunities for livestock owners who need meat processing because of plant closures and lost markets.