Editor's Note: Almost every hog operation in the United States has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Iowa Select Farms, based in Iowa Falls, is not any different. Today, the company issued this statement addressing the current situation.

As we know the highly contagious nature of COVID-19 has impacted the food supply chain. A significant number of processing plants have had to shut down temporarily or reduce their capacity because employees have tested positive for COVID-19. This decrease in capacity has created a backlog of hundreds of thousands of pigs staying on farms.

Every U.S. pork producer has been forced to make difficult decisions on how to manage this backlog’s impact on their operation. The thought of euthanizing entire herds is devastating since a farmer is dedicated to feeding families around the world. Sadly, Iowa Select Farms has been forced to make this heartbreaking decision for some of its herd. Veterinarians and production well-being professionals are overseeing the process to ensure accordance with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and American Veterinary Medical Association.

This is sad and difficult work. Our team members grieve as they implement our plan. Yet, given the devastating effects of COVID-19 on those who work in food supply, there are few options.

Not surprisingly, animal activists are trying to exploit this current challenge in agriculture to advance their own agenda. Earlier this week, animal activists chose to exploit this current tragedy in American agriculture as they infiltrated a facility used by Iowa Select Farms and proceeded to taunt, harass and videotape our team members. It is disappointing that these individuals would try to use what is a profoundly difficult time to undermine the mission of every farmer.

We as Iowa farmers, like the generations that came before us, will remain strong. We appreciate the support and love that we have felt from our communities during this difficult time.

Source: Iowa Select Farms, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.