Smithfield Foods to Close Vernon, CA Facility; Reduce Hog Production in Western Region
Smithfield Foods, Inc. today announced that it will cease all harvest and processing operations in Vernon, California in early 2023 and, at the same time, align its hog production system by reducing its sow herd in its Western region. The company will decrease its sow herd in Utah and is exploring strategic options to exit its farms in Arizona and California. Smithfield harvests only company-owned hogs in Vernon. Smithfield will service customers in California with its Farmer John brand and other brands and products from existing facilities in the Midwest.
Smithfield is providing transition assistance to all impacted employees, including relocation options to other company facilities and farms and retention incentives to ensure business continuity until early next year.