Mayor Paul TenHaken doubtful of future of new Sioux Falls pork plant

Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken is doubtful of the future of a new pork processing plant in Sioux Falls.

That's because, following the merger of Nebraska-based Wholestone Farms and Iowa-based Prestage Foods, the Sioux Falls-based proposed $500 million pork plant project has been paused. The plant was highly controversial and survived not only a ballot measure aimed at preventing its construction and a $1 million donation opposing the plant, but also a lawsuit regarding the ballot measure.

TenHaken said because of the merger, as well as economic and inflationary factors, Prestage Wholestone, LLC., is facing some serious headwinds.

More:Wholestone butcher shop closes as proposed Sioux Falls pork plant put on hold

"If I had a crystal ball, do I think we'll be breaking ground on a pork plant during my term in office? I don't, based on all the things that have happened even in the last six months, but we'll see," TenHaken said Wednesday.

He added there hasn't been a lot of communication between his office and Prestage Wholestone.

Recently, Wholestone's "custom butcher stop" closed until further notice.

When was the Sioux Falls pork plant planned to open?

Construction had originally been expected to finish in 2025, with about 1,000 employees needed for a first shift with another 1,000-1,200 needed for a second shift that could be added some time later.

Sioux Falls City Councilor Curt Soehl told the Argus Leader on Tuesday that Wholestone Farms Chairman Luke Minion told him the joint venture had delayed the plant's construction, and that there was no specific date when construction was expected to begin.

Minion was not immediately available to comment.