By Blake Jackson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $1.07 million in four Wisconsin meat processing businesses through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) Phase 4 to increase processing capacity and strengthen rural economies.
USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson and Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced the funding, which will help processors upgrade equipment, expand production, improve market access, and support local employment.
“Small and mid-sized meat processors are essential to the strength of Wisconsin agriculture and rural communities,” said Iverson. “These investments will help processors access new markets, expand local capacity, create jobs, and offer consumers across rural Wisconsin more options.”
“Wisconsin agriculture is second to none,” said Congressman Steil. “This investment will increase processing capacity in Wisconsin to lower costs for Wisconsin families. This is great news for Wisconsin family farms, consumers, and the Wisconsin workers who help deliver products and keep Wisconsin's agricultural economy strong.”
Four businesses will receive grants. Durand Smokehouse LLC in Durand will receive $158,250 for production equipment. Lake Geneva Country Meats in Lake Geneva will receive $212,268 to purchase two packaging machines, including an updated clip machine.
Salcherts Market Inc. in St. Cloud will receive $250,000 for equipment to increase processing capacity. Wilson Farm Meats Inc. in Elkhorn will receive $456,129 to renovate part of its existing facility and install new processing equipment.
MPPEP Phase 4 aims to strengthen Wisconsin's beef industry by diversifying meat and poultry supply chains and expanding local market opportunities.
Eligible facilities must primarily process cattle, although grant-funded equipment may also support other meat and poultry processing activities.
For more information about MPPEP Phase 4, contact USDA Rural Development at wi-rd-bcp-so@usda.gov.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-luoman
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy, Livestock, Poultry