AG Processing announced Friday that its corn processing plant in Hastings is on extended shutdown.

Company officials say operations are shut down due to ongoing poor economic conditions in the ethanol industry. AGP's Human Resources Department is working with 43 employees who are impacted by the announcement.

"Hearing that more plants are shutting down, it's very unfortunate because jobs are already rather scarce around this area, especially in the factories," said Jessica Richard, a Hastings College Student.

AGP also operates a soybean processing plant, vegetable oil refinery and an Aminoplus production facility at its location in Hastings. Those operations will not be affected by the shutdown of the corn processing plant. AGP says they will continue to evalute market conditions.