Selected plants run by Silver Fern Farms, Anzco and Affco will process over the long weekend to clear a developing backlog of stock, which, in some cases, has reached six weeks.
Southland’s Blue Sky Meats has started processing seven days a week and plans to work Easter and Anzac Day.
Anzco chief executive Peter Conley said it will operate its beef plants on three of the four days over Easter.
“This is an unusual step for the business to take and we couldn’t do it without the support of our people and their understanding of farmers’ needs.” The pressure is on farmers and processors as cooler temperatures slow grass growth, dry conditions in the North Island and slower killing because of covid-19.
Blue Sky Meats chief executive Todd Grave said reconfiguring the single-chain plant has slowed processing so it is working seven days a week till the covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
SFF will kill on Good Friday and Easter Monday in what chief executive Simon Limmer says is possible because of the co-operation of staff and the Meat Workers Union.
“This is a first for us but so important at a really challenging time given covid-19 processing constraints and real pressure on farmers.
“It is a great example of how we are pulling together to uphold our commitment to our farmers and suppliers as well as continuing to provide food for dinner tables in New Zealand and around the world.”
Affco has also confirmed some of its plants will be processing over Easter but Alliance is not working.
Chief executive David Surveyor said the co-operative is giving its staff time off to spend with their families after a hectic few weeks.
“Our focus over the past fortnight has been on keeping Alliance Group’s plants running as smoothly as possible despite the challenging circumstances.”
Surveyor said beef and sheep capacity will increase from next week.
