With Hurricane Florence on the horizon, Smithfield Foods says the company is fully prepared for the potential impact of the storm, specifically in North Carolina and Virginia.

Smithfield has numerous operations, both plants and farms, and more than 14,000 employees across both states, and has enacted its hurricane preparedness procedures.

Employees in the company's eastern Virginia and North Carolina plants and on its approximately 250 company-owned farms and 1,500 contract farms are taking steps to protect people, animals and buildings against wind and rain damage.

On ongoing year-round process, manure management has been a key focal point in preparation of the storm. The company has been closely monitoring and, as necessary, lowering lagoon levels on farms in accordance with state regulations and farms' nutrient management plans, and encouraging its contract growers to do the same.

“The safety of our employees is top of mind and we will continue to actively monitor the storm's track and adjust production schedules accordingly,” says Keira Lombardo, Smithfield Foods senior vice president of corporate affairs. “We will also remain in constant contact with state emergency and regulatory personnel throughout the event.”