Today on Colorado Edition: We learn about the annual elk rut and we explore why dead migratory birds are being found across the Southwest. We’ll also get the latest on a price fixing scheme in the poultry industry and we’ll hear from a meatpacking union leader about their plant’s COVID response. Plus, we’ll learn about how college marching bands are adapting to the pandemic.
Coronavirus Concerns At JBS Plant
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, will fine JBS USA more than $15,000 for their failure to protect workers from COVID-19 at its meatpacking plant in Greeley.
On Wednesday afternoon, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 7, the union which represents more than 3,000 workers in the JBS Greeley plant, protested outside of OSHA’s Denver headquarters against the small value of the fine levied. Kim Cordova is the union leader and joined us to discuss the fine and its impact.
Legal Troubles Continue For Northern Colorado Meatpacker
Greeley-based Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a large-scale chicken packer, is being sued by chicken growers who claim the company is artificially keeping payments to producers down. This is the third lawsuit the company is currently involved in. Dan Mika from BizWest has been reporting on these lawsuits and joined us to discuss.
College Towns Sound A Bit Different These Days
For many, this time of year means the start of college football. But this is far from a typical year. Without game days and everything that goes along with that, college towns across our region will look different — and they’ll sound a lot different too. Maggie Mullen brings us the story.
Migratory Bird Deaths In The Southwest
We’ve heard reports from New Mexico of migratory bird deaths, but are these deaths happening here in Colorado? We brought in an expert to find out – Zach Hutchinson is a community science coordinator with Audobon Rockies, the regional office of the national Audubon society.
The Annual Elk Rut
We’re entering high elk rut season this week. To learn more about it, we spoke with Colorado Parks and Wildlife big game manager Andy Holland.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman, and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. KUNC news director Brian Larson is our executive producer. We get production help from Rae Solomon.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.