USDA called to act for poultry farmers

By Scout Nelson

Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide urgent support to Wisconsin farmers who are facing severe financial losses due to the unexpected closure of Pure Prairie Poultry.

This poultry processor’s abrupt shutdown has left farmers without the necessary feed for their chickens and no available processor to handle their birds.

“Hard-working Wisconsin farmers across our state have been left high and dry by the abrupt closure of Pure Prairie Poultry,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our agriculture industry is the beating heart of many of our communities and, in the face of this dire situation, I’m calling on USDA to do everything they can for these Wisconsin farmers who now stare down financial ruin through no fault of their own.”

Pure Prairie Poultry, an Iowa-based poultry processor, unexpectedly closed its plant in September. This has impacted farmers not only in Wisconsin but also in Iowa and Minnesota, leaving them without access to feed and a place to process their chickens.

The closure is particularly troubling given that the USDA had invested over $47 million into the company prior to its shutdown.

In her letter to the USDA, Senator Baldwin emphasized the need for immediate intervention, expressing concerns about the well-being of the affected animals and the potential for an escalation in the avian flu outbreak.

Many farmers, with no other options, have been forced to give away thousands of chickens, raising the risk of further disease spread.

Senator Baldwin urged the USDA to take swift action to support these farmers by:

• Engaging with the Wisconsin State Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to locate all affected producers;
• Providing feed and/or financial assistance to impacted farmers to alleviate their financial burden;
• Offering recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes to prevent similar emergencies in the future.

The Senator’s call for action is aimed at safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and addressing the broader implications of the plant closure on animal welfare and the potential spread of disease.

Photo Credit: usda