U.S. Cattlemen Applaud Funding to Expand Local Meat Processing

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $73 million in funding for the first round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. The funds will get used to increase competition across the cattle marketplace and support increased producer opportunities, and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association appreciates the USDA’s work. “We’re pleased to see the breadth and scope of projects supported through the funding,” says USCA President Brooke Miller. “The importance of this federal investment in our nation’s independent meat producers is evident when looking at individual projects.” As an example, they point to Upper Iowa Beef which received a grant that will expand its processing capacity by over 50 percent while creating new jobs for the community and premium revenue opportunities for independent producers. “These federal dollars can help usher in a new era of U.S. food production,” Miller says. “We’re encouraged by the announcement and look forward to further rounds of funding.”