Workers at a Silver Fern Farms plant in Canterbury are bracing for cuts after a meeting was called for next week.

The company announced a paid meeting in the township to be held next Wednesday afternoon, and Newstalk ZB understands the meeting involves the uncertain future of the Fairton plant.

The plant, on the outskirts of Ashburton, employs around 300 people.

Meatworkers Union Canterbury secretary Bill Watt relates that workers aren't feeling optimistic.

"Obviously there's a fair bit of trepidation about the outcome of the meeting," he said.

"There's a lot of rumours around, but we'll just have to wait and see."

Silver Fern Farms' share price fell from 89c to 52c in March this year. Last the year the company announced a net loss after tax of $30.6m.