Slower line speeds are now the rule at six pork processing plants under the new Swine Inspection System after a federal court ruling earlier this year ordered packing plants to operate at slower line speeds.
The Biden administration has until the end of August to file an appeal, which is being requested by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). The NPPC argues the ruling will quickly lead to increased pork industry concentration and packer market power.
Iowa State University research shows the ruling eliminates 2.5% of pork packing plant capacity nationwide and could result in $80 million in lost income for small U.S. hog farmers this year alone.
