The Cargill beef processing plant at High River, Alberta has shut down temporarily, creating big worries for feedlots and cattle producers.

About 360 of the 2,000 workers have tested positive for COVID-19 and the first death was reported on Monday.

Employee health is the main priority, but there are major economic ramifications because the High River facility has more than one-third of the country’s beef processing capacity.

There is no word on when the plant could reopen.

Dennis Laycraft, the executive vice president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association said before the plant can re-open there needs to be an adequate number of employees able to work.

“At this stage it’s really about the workforce and getting an adequate number of them available to come in on a regular basis.” “So, they’re working diligently on that, basically they won;t be harvesting any cattle until they get that done,” Laycraft said.

Laycraft also mentioned the federal government needs to announce a cattle ”set-a-side” program and reduce skyrocketing premiums for livestock price insurance.

(CJWW)