Rantoul's largest employer is gone for good. Meadowbrook Farms C-O will permanently layoff over 600 workers from the plant. A month ago leaders were trying to save the hog farming co-op because of a cash shortage. They told workers the layoffs were only temporary. Now board members voted to file for chapter 7 bankruptcy. The only people that know right now are farmers and board members. They released a memo on Meadowbrook’s internal website at the end of last week. WCIA was able to get a look at that letter. It tells farmers that the co-op couldn't get a loan from the banks to stay open. In the letter the board says there was no alternative. It's a tough pill to swallow for workers who were banking on having their jobs back. There will be one person at Meadowbrook who will be handling payment and bankruptcy issues. His number will be available to employees soon.