Local facility is one of three set to close, operations to be moved to Willmar

Photo by Chad Koenen
The Henning turkey hatchery will be closed as soon as late summer. Jennie-O Turkey Store recently announced a new partnership with Head Start Hatching.

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The doors will soon be shut for good at one of Henning’s largest employers. 

Last week Jennie-O announced the closure of three hatchery facilities across Minnesota and Wisconsin, including the Henning Hatchery. The hatchery has been a staple in Henning for generations, but its operations will be moved to a new state-of-the-art facility later this year in Willmar. 

“We have announced that we entered into a custom hatch agreement with Head Start Hatching in Willmar, Minn., to take advantage of their new facility and new technology available to the turkey industry,” a spokesperson wrote in an email to the Citizen’s Advocate. “Head Start Hatching will hatch a percentage of our poults. This facility and technology are state-of-the-art and offer improved operational efficiencies and the most ideal conditions for hatching.”

The locations that will be closed include Foley, Minn., Barron, Wis., and in Henning. 

According to the spokesperson in an email, all Jennie-O team members will have the option to accept new roles within the Hormel company at any of their other locations.

“All Jennie-O team members will have the option to accept new roles within our company at any of our other locations. However, if they are unable to secure another position within the company, they will be offered a severance package,” wrote the spokesperson in an email to the Citizen’s Advocate. 

According to various news reports, the facilities are expected to close in late summer of 2024. 

About Head Start Hatching

Head Start Hatching, part of the Life-Science Innovations group, recently held a grand opening for its new facility in Willmar. 

The hatchery features the Next Nest Hatching system, which is designed to improve animal welfare and enhance poult performance by giving eggs and their hatchling constant evolutionary care with things like fresh air, food, water and light until they are prepared for life outside the protected environment.