USDA Awards $57 Million to Expand Independent Meat Processing

The United States Department of Agriculture is distributing $57 million in grants to 147 independent meat processors across 40 states through its Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. The initiative aims to increase processing capacity and foster competition against dominant national meatpacking companies, ensuring more value from American-raised beef remains in rural communities.

Recent allocations include over $1.1 million for six facilities in Illinois, where Wennemann Meat Co. Inc. received $451,405 for refrigeration and cold-storage upgrades. In North Dakota, three processors—Maple Valley Locker Inc., Butcher’s Edge, and Spruce Hill Meats LLC—received a combined $509,912 to replace outdated equipment and expand retail market access. Among western states, Texas and Kansas received the highest allocations at $7 million and $4 million, respectively. The USDA is also supporting a new $24.6 million locally owned beef processing plant in Dimmitt, Texas, which is expected to create 220 jobs.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the funding will provide ranchers with more options close to home and return competition to the market. Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega noted that the investments help build a stronger supply chain and contribute to the economic vitality of rural America.