UPDATE: Minnesota Steps Up To Help Remedy Devastating Chicken Crisis

DENIED BANKRUPTCY FILING LEADS TO CRISIS

I stated a few days ago, after hearing about what's been happening with the chickens involved in the Pure Prairie Poultry crisis, that I was horrified to hear that the States of Minnesota and Wisconsin didn't step in and do anything about this situation, after Pure Prairie Poultry filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and had between $100 million and $500 million in debts to 937 different creditors, according to court documents.

IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM MINNESOTA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Today I received a message from Allen Sommerfeld, the Communications Director for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. He has informed me that Minnesota HAS stepped in and is taking care of the birds as well doing their best to work with farmers and take care of the situation.

Allen said, "I saw your online post regarding Pure Prairie Poultry and wanted to address some of the issues you raised. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, along with state and federal partners, have been working to ensure the chickens in Minnesota are fed and we have been seeking a processing solution for the animals. We also continue to support the Minnesota farmers involved in the situation. It is false to say that Minnesota didn’t step up."

He continued, "I can’t speak to the situation in Wisconsin, which was the focus of the KAAL story your information seemed to be pulled from, but we are working hard to find solutions here in Minnesota. I’d appreciate a correction to your article. Thank you, Allen"

I thanked Allen for providing me with this information and asked if there was anything further he wanted to add. "We’ve been working on the situation since the company notified us they were having financial issues providing feed to the Minnesota chickens. Our priorities are feeding the chickens, supporting the farmers, and finding some end-use for the birds. We continue to work with those with a financial interest in these birds. I’ll also note that our laws are different than those in Iowa where they can take possession of the birds. We do not have that authority in Minnesota, but we are working with our state and federal partners on a solution."

Last week, concerned Wisconsin poultry growers for the company said their chickens were starving. The chickens had been without food for days after the company closed it Charles City processing plant.

Because many of the creditors objected to the bankruptcy, the case was dismissed. Had it been approved, it would have allowed the business to continue operating while they figured out a plan, but because none of the creditors thought about the well-being of the animals, the case was dismissed. Since we are talking about lives here, I think something should have been done quickly.

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ABC 6 News//KAAL TV/YouTube

DOING THE RIGHT THING

Iowa stepped up because it was the right thing to do. Tax-payers are now covering the cost of feeding these animals. Minnesota has also stepped in to help remedy the terrible situation, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

One couple in Wisconsin had approximately 62,000 chickens in their care, and now that the plant has shut down, said the birds had been without food for days and were resorting to eating each other. They couldn't get through their barns and said, at this point, even if you fed them the birds would kill each other to get to the feed.

The chickens were supposed to be removed from their barns Monday, suspecting that many would be euthanized. The couple says it will be a relief to know the birds aren't suffering anymore. What about the chickens in the care of poultry growers at other area farms?

Why didn't something happen earlier to protect the birds?

What are we going to do to make sure this doesn't happen in the future?