Forty-nine workers have been laid off at a lamb slaughter plant in northwest Iowa. KTIV reports that workers at the Superior Farms plant in Hawarden were let go on Wednesday.

Company spokeswoman Angela Gentry says the cuts target the harvesting portion of the operation. Gentry says the sheep industry has been short of supply. The plant also let 32 workers go from its processing plant in February, reports the Associated Press.

The company says about 15 people will continue to work at its livestock buying and selling operations in Hawarden and a nearby facility that produces animal food.

Sources: Associated Press, KTIV News