Olymel Reopens Red Deer Facility

Mar 05, 2021

Olymel's Red Deer, AB pork processing facility started its gradual reopening on Thursday.

The company has been working with Alberta Health Services and Occupational Health and Safety during the process.

Slaughter operations resumed on Thursday with cutting room operations set to return on Friday

Since the temporary closure, Olymel had been managing the flow of pigs from its own farms in order to facilitate a return to normal when operations resumed.

The Olymel plant was closed in mid-February following a COVID-19 outbreak that has been linked to at least 500 cases since November, and now a fourth death is also related to that outbreak.

The Olymel plant at Red Deer is one of the largest hog slaughter plants in Western Canada.

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Video: Exploring Precision Data in Swine Production - Dr. Janice Siegford

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Janice Siegford from Michigan State University discusses how precision livestock farming data can support pig health, welfare, transparency, and decision making. She explains why data ownership, privacy, consumer perception, and cost sharing must be addressed as technology becomes more common on farms. Listen now on all major platforms.

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Meet the guest: Dr. Janice Siegford / janice-siegford-24318839 is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. Her expertise in animal welfare, neuroscience, and zoology supports research on pig behavior, stress resilience, and precision livestock farming. Her work explores early weaning, genetics, and stakeholder perspectives on technology adoption to improve pig care, health, and productivity. Learn more from Dr. Janice Siegford on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.