SIOUX FALLS, SD. — According to Wholestone Farms, its plans for a $500 million pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, SD, is still a go, contrary to Smart Growth Sioux Falls’ interpretation.

After Smart Growth Sioux Falls released a statement on Oct. 11 claiming victory in its efforts to stall Wholestone Farms’ construction of a pork plant, Wholestone shared a different perspective. The pork processor said Judge Sandra Hoglund Hanson did not revoke its permits, rather she asked Smart Growth to provide additional information pertaining to the case.

“Wholestone is not aware that any of our current permits were revoked as a consequence of today’s court hearing,” Luke Minion, chairman of Wholestone, told MEAT+POULTRY. “Wholestone has not been required to stop any aspect of our business plan at this time. Wholestone understands the judge is requiring additional information from the opposition as the next step.”

According to the company, the court’s final order is still pending.

Scott E. Webb, chief executive officer of Wholestone, added that the plaintiffs “claim victory at this point without an actual court order backing up their claim. The reality is the judge did not revoke any previously obtained permit. The permits remain valid at this time. She sought additional information from plaintiff due to deficiencies in its originally filed complaint.”

The original complaint was filed in September.