The US polar vortex, which caused arctic weather and temperatures in some areas of the Midwest to drop to -40C, has forced grain traders and meaty producers to close their facilities and adjust their transportation routes. Although temperatures have normalized, the US agriculture sector is bracing itself for the possibility of more arctic-like weather which is expected to come later this week. Cargill temporarily closed all of its grain plants due to the deep cold weather, while Tyson shut down six of its facilities on safety concerns. Archer-Daniels-Midland amended its transportation routes to avoid areas most severely impacted by the severe weather. In a statement released today, Archer Daniels Midland, one of America’s largest meat processors, said it was “extremely disappointed” with the decision from the USDA that will affect more than half of its production capacity.
The US polar vortex, which caused arctic weather and temperatures in some areas of the Midwest to drop to -40C, has forced grain traders and meaty producers to close their facilities and adjust their transportation routes. Cargill temporarily closed all of its grain plants due to the deep cold weather, while Tyson shut down six of its facilities on safety concerns. Archer-Daniels-Midland amended its transportation routes to avoid areas most severely impacted by the severe weather. In a statement released today, Archer Daniels Midland, one of America’s largest meat processors, said it was “extremely disappointed” with the decision from the USDA that will affect more than half of its production capacity.