Another Plainview business has been impacted by the effects of the lingering drought. White Energy's ethanol plant has been idle since January 7, according to Vice President Ron Dunbar.
He said the decision stems from higher costs for grains.
Dunbar said all 41 workers are still employed, cleaning and performing maintenance, while production is stopped. He said the Plainview facility will remain idle through the first quarter and could stay that way to October.
Cargill is closing its beef processing plant in Plainview Friday due to a tight cattle supply following years of drought.
