Christensen Farms, an essential organization within agriculture and food production, continues to operate at full capacity. Recognizing the important role as a responsible pork producer, the company continues to deploy plans to protect employees and partners alike, and keep its farms, feed mills and all other supporting departments up and running as the nation and communities face the challenges created by COVID-19.
“Our primary focus, first and foremost, is the health and safety of our fellow team members, contract partners, communities and customers,” Glenn L. Stolt, Christensen Farms president and chief executive officer stated. “The U.S. Government has identified agriculture and food supply as critical and essential to the nation’s infrastructure. As farmers, food producers, distributors, retailers or any other critical businesses that makes up the power of our food supply chain across the United States, we remain committed to our responsibility to produce food required to feed our nation during these unprecedented and unpredictable times. This includes continuing to work on various scenarios and contingency plans to best avoid any supply chain disruptions.”
Christensen Farms and the company’s other producer owner partners at Triumph Foods, Seaboard Triumph Foods and Daily’s Premium Meats (the key pork processing businesses included within the company’s integrated system) remains committed to doing what is necessary to support the nations need for safe, quality, nutritious and affordable pork products. Through these efforts, Christensen Farms also remains committed to its other processor customers in their pursuit to support the U.S. food supply system.
“We’ve always taken great pride in our entire operations and the extensive biosecurity protocols constantly performed by the dedicated members of the CF team, and we know this is important now more than ever,” Valerie Johnson, vice president of human resources, added. “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the communities where we live, work and play and have taken action to heighten our safety and sanitation protocols in addition to the implementation of travel and visitor restrictions.”
The company has preparedness and response plans in place. These plans are under constant review as the dynamics of the COVID-19 situation evolves within the company’s operating geography and with regards to any changes in customer demands. The company has also adopted a special COVID-19 leave policy providing up to two weeks of paid time off for employees directly impacted by the pandemic.
“We sincerely commend the brave efforts of all those on the frontlines in our healthcare systems, first responders and everyone around the world making difficult decisions and working diligently to reduce the impact of this epidemic, keeping people safe and healthy,” continued Stolt. “We also recognize those joining us to ensure food is available throughout the nation and around the world. And to all farmers, especially those on my team, thank you for remaining committed to providing safe and abundant food, caring deeply for the sustainability of our environment, the health of our communities and the uncompromising care for our animals. While there have been countless advances in technology and innovation across all of agriculture, the role of a farmer, particularly those of us in animal agriculture, is not one that can be accomplished from home or on the internet.”
Christensen Farms, having a history of supporting community food shelves, emergency relief funds in addition to many other needs, will continue to seek opportunities to support the needs of its communities. Therefore, Christensen Farms announces the acceleration of its annual spring food shelf donation of pork, in recognition that many families are now at home due to school closings, job changes and “shelter in place” orders. When school lunches are often a critical daily meal for children, in addition to the financial impact of job changes, the company deemed it necessary to support its communities now. Additionally, employees and the company’s Employee Resource Groups have engaged in a number of initiatives including sharing supplies and making masks.
