Premium Standard Farms Begins Implementing Final Phase of Next Generation Technology

Premium Standard Farms announced today that it has started installing state-of-the-art barn scraper systems at some of its pig farms in northwest Missouri, signaling the final phase of the installation of Next Generation Technology to further reduce barn odors.

Work has started on installing the barn scraper systems at the first of the seven remaining Premium Standard Farms scheduled for the new technology. The company expects installation to be completed at all seven farms no later than July 31, 2012.

The final technologies being implemented – barn scrapers and the Sustainable Technology System – were approved by the court-appointed Management Advisory Team last April.

Premium Standard Farms has already spent about $40 million implementing improved environmental technologies, including lagoon covers and land application technologies, equipment and practices that are among the most advanced in the U.S. Barn odor was the final issue that needed to be addressed by Next Generation Technology.

"We are moving ahead with an aggressive implementation schedule for this final phase, which represents our company's commitment as good environmental stewards to reduce odor from our farms," said Bill Homann, president of Premium Standard Farms.

"When we complete our work on these remaining farms, we're confident that Premium Standard Farms' Missouri operations will have clearly demonstrated that we're a world leader in the advancement of agricultural environmental technologies," Homann added. "I'm proud of our employees and all their hard work. Ultimately, their efforts will ensure our continued future in northwest Missouri, and that's certainly good news for the local economy."