Hurricane Helene’s impact forces Wayne-Sanderson Farms to adjust plant operations across Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. Find out the latest updates.
Introduction
As Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, made landfall on the Florida coast on September 26, 2024, its aftermath has caused widespread disruption throughout the southeastern United States. Among those affected is Wayne-Sanderson Farms, a leading poultry producer, which announced several operational changes at its plants in Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina due to the storm’s severity. With significant rainfall and high winds battering the region, the company has been forced to halt or adjust shifts across multiple facilities, prioritizing the safety of its employees while maintaining essential operations.
The Path of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene was classified as a Category 4 storm when it hit the Florida Big Bend region, bringing with it destructive winds and torrential rain. By the morning of September 27, the storm had weakened to a tropical storm as it moved inland over Georgia, continuing to bring heavy rainfall and potential flooding to the region. The National Weather Service provided ongoing updates, urging residents to stay informed about local weather conditions.
Amid this storm, Wayne-Sanderson Farms took swift action to ensure both the safety of its employees and the continuity of its operations, posting regular updates on social media to inform staff and customers about the evolving situation.
Operational Changes and Plant Closures
Wayne-Sanderson Farms’ operations were significantly affected across several of its key processing plants due to Hurricane Helene. On its Facebook page, the company shared details of shift cancellations and modified schedules to protect its workforce and minimize the impact of the storm on production.
Dothan, Alabama
At the Dothan plant, the company canceled the third shift on September 26 and the first shift on September 27. However, employees on the second shift (sanitation) and third shift were instructed to report for work on their regular schedules for the evening of September 27.
Union Springs, Alabama
Similarly, at the Union Springs processing facility, the first shift on September 27 was canceled, but the second shift would proceed as usual. Wayne-Sanderson Farms emphasized that safety remained their top priority, but they would resume operations where feasible based on updated weather forecasts.
Enterprise, Alabama
The Enterprise plant also canceled its first shift on September 27. However, second shift (sanitation) and third shift workers were expected to follow their normal schedules starting later in the day.
Moultrie, Georgia
The impact of Hurricane Helene was also felt in Moultrie, Georgia, where employees were notified that the second shift on September 26 was canceled. Workers in sanitation, specifically those involved in second processing, were asked to report at 4 p.m. The first and second shifts scheduled for September 27 were also canceled, with only sanitation workers reporting for their regular evening shifts.
Pendergrass, Georgia
At the Pendergrass facility in Georgia, the first shift on September 27 was canceled, but the second shift would continue as planned. The company stressed that it was closely monitoring the situation and would provide further updates if necessary.
Dobson Complex, North Carolina
Wayne-Sanderson Farms also reported operational changes at its Dobson Complex in North Carolina, where the first shift on September 27 was canceled. Employees scheduled for the second shift were expected to report on time for their regular workday.
Employee Safety and Operational Continuity
Throughout its communication, Wayne-Sanderson Farms maintained a clear focus on the safety of its workforce. The company urged employees to stay updated on weather conditions and to take all necessary precautions during the storm. “Please stay safe and tuned to your local news stations for further weather-related updates,” the company said in a statement posted on social media.
The company’s commitment to safety extended beyond its employees, as it also ensured that all its operations were adjusted in accordance with weather developments to minimize risk. Wayne-Sanderson Farms is expected to continue updating its employees and customers on any additional changes via its social media accounts.
The Broader Impact of Hurricane Helene on the Poultry Industry
Wayne-Sanderson Farms is not the only poultry producer affected by Hurricane Helene. The storm’s arrival has disrupted supply chains, transportation, and production across the southeastern U.S., an area that is home to many major poultry processing plants. With the storm bringing severe weather conditions, companies like Wayne-Sanderson Farms must navigate both the immediate challenges posed by plant closures and the longer-term implications for production schedules and supply availability.
Tropical storms and hurricanes have historically posed significant risks to the poultry industry, which relies heavily on the timely movement of goods and consistent production cycles to meet demand. When plants are forced to halt operations, it can result in temporary shortages and delays in distribution, particularly in regions directly impacted by the storm.
Preparing for Recovery and Future Storms
As Wayne-Sanderson Farms and other companies recover from the damage and disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene, the focus will undoubtedly shift to mitigating the impact of future storms. Hurricane preparedness plans, enhanced safety protocols, and more resilient supply chains will likely play a key role in ensuring that production can resume quickly following extreme weather events.
For employees and communities affected by the storm, recovery efforts will be critical in the coming days and weeks. Wayne-Sanderson Farms has expressed its commitment to keeping its workers safe, and as operations return to normal, the company will continue to monitor weather conditions and adjust its plans accordingly.
Conclusion
Hurricane Helene has left a trail of disruptions across the southern U.S., including at multiple Wayne-Sanderson Farms processing plants. With safety at the forefront, the company has made significant operational adjustments to protect its employees and maintain essential functions. As the storm moves away from the region, Wayne-Sanderson Farms and the broader poultry industry will work toward resuming normal operations, while preparing for the next potential weather-related challenge.