Mike Pearson explains how a ballot measure in Denver, Colorado, could impact livestock processing across the country.

Voters will decide in November whether livestock processing can be done in Denver, Colorado, after an animal rights group got the measure on the ballot.

In November 2022, a similar measure was on the ballot in Sioux Falls, South Dakota but the measure failed.

Now, voters get to make the same decision in Denver.

The measure was put on the ballot by the group, Pro Animal Future, and the hope is that if it's successful then the momentum will spread.

Pro Animal Future operates under the umbrella of the national group, Pax Fauna-- Animal Liberation.

If voters would adopt the ordinance then in January 2026, the processing of livestock would end and the construction of new facilities would be not allowed.

The only processor located in Denver, Colorado currently is Superior Farms which process 300,000 lambs a year and has been in business since 1964.

A study by Colorado State University estimates 3,000 jobs will be lost and $900,000 will be lost in economic activity in the area if Superior Farms is shut down.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.