Racism played a key role in stopping plans to build a pork processing plant in Mason City, Iowa, according to an official with Prestage Farms. At least one Mason City Council member agree with this accusation. This comes after the project failed to pass a City Council vote.
Ron Prestage, a veterinarian and leader within Prestage Farms, said Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI) lobbied against the project and spread unwarranted fear, and a council member added that many locals expressed fears of an influx of immigrant workers moving into town.