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“We need more small plants!”—-The tiny violin solo of the beef industry. To start: there are 853ish USDA beef kill plants in the US, the big four run 27 of them.

Changes are coming, thanks to the sudden lock-down America and much of the rest of the world are experiencing due to COVID-19.

JBS USA says its Greeley, Colo., beef plant will be closed through Tuesday for “deep cleaning” in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19 among its thousands of employees. Two employee deaths have been reported.

An economic analysis released by the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association says the total actual and future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cattle industry is forecast to exceed $14.6 billion.

Today on Farm Journal Live, Paul Neiffer will have tips on how to quickly apply for the latest round of pandemic aid. We’ll also talk with Casey Bradshaw of Consolidated Beef Producers about tightening packer capacity.

USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report estimated March placements to be the lowest since the data series began in 1996.

The anger and frustration of some cattlemen has turned to accusations and proposals for change that will have long-term implications and unintended consequences for the cattle and beef industry.

Another steep decline in both fed cattle and feeder cattle was reported last week. Negotiated cash fed cattle sales were the second smallest since mandatory price reporting began in 2001.

Cargill’s High River, Alta., beef harvest facility has slowed to one shift beginning this week to prioritize the health and safety of employees, reducing harvest to about 1,500 head per day.

Dozens of workers at Tyson’s Pasco, WA, beef plant have tested positive for COVID-19, but the plant will remain open under heightened health and safety procedures.