AUSTIN, MINN. —Hormel Foods Corporation’s recently opened hog-holding facility at its Austin, Minn. plant is “as good as it gets,” said Dr. Temple Grandin, an authority on livestock handling systems and a professor of animal science at Colorado State University. “This facility is at the top for the industry,” Dr. Grandin said. “I am super happy because everything is wonderful; it’s highly managed and perfectly maintained.”

Dr. Grandin, who has worked with Hormel Foods for more than 10 years, conducts research and teaches courses on livestock handling and facility design. The $6.2 million facility at Hormel Foods opened in 2008 and incorporates many of her industry-leading practices, such as non-reversal movement, nonslip flooring and circular corrals.


“It was an honor to have Temple tour this facility now that construction is complete,” said Glee Goodner, corporate manager of animal welfare and handling at Hormel Foods. “We were excited to see her enthusiasm for how our animal-care efforts continue to provide leadership for the industry through state-of-the art building designs, maintenance schedules and employee training.”