The temporary closure of a Hanford meat-processing plant for alleged acts of animal cruelty is causing ripple effects in the Valley's already struggling dairy industry and prompted calls Thursday from three Valley congressmen to reopen the plant and protect 360 jobs. For years, Central Valley Meat Co. has been a large employer and an important customer for the region's dairymen. The plant buys nonproductive dairy cows to slaughter for processing into ground beef.  It's a role that has become more critical as a growing number of dairy operations are being forced to shut down because of rising feed costs. As federal officials continue their investigation, the plant has been unable to process any animals, forcing the only other slaughterhouse in the area -- Cargill -- to take up the slack. The shift has resulted in a swell of animals at Cargill's plant in southwest Fresno. At least 1,000 cows that would have gone to Central Valley Meat Co. have been processed since Monday, Cargill officials said Thursday. (more) Aug. 24, 2012 Fresno Bee