One of the biggest challenges facing small livestock producers is the lack of slaughter and processing facilities. Many producers who would otherwise market their meat products directly to consumers or work with retailers on a wholesale basis find it difficult to locate facilities that will allow them to enter different supply chains, and are at the mercy of distributors and middlemen who make a profit at the expense of the producers.
American Grassfed Association, with help from USDA, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network, Ranch Foods Direct, Western Daughters, and Natural Grocers, is conducting a feasibility study regarding the potential for a humane slaughter plant to be located near Pueblo, Colorado. They are seeking input from small and midsize producers in the Rocky Mountain region who would be interested in using such a facility.
AGA will be conducting a series of free listening sessions throughout the region and invites all interested producers to attend to learn more about the project and to share their ideas and concerns. Each session will run approximately an hour and a half and light refreshments will be provided. Speakers will include Mike Callicrate of Ranch Foods Direct and Marilyn Noble, American Grassfed Association.
The next sessions are listed below. Please register in advance to reserve your spot. If you have any questions, or if you can’t attend but would like more information, please email Marilyn.
You may also offer your comments and feedback by filling out a survey here. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M6GM7QS
Monte Vista
April 5, 2016, 8:30 am
Monte Vista Coop
1901 E. Highway 160
http://conta.cc/21vPcXj
Fort Morgan
May 3, 10:00 am
Morgan County Rural Electric Association
20169 US Hwy. 34
http://conta.cc/1VaI7eN
La Junta
May 6, 10am
Otero Junior College
1802 Colorado Avenue
http://conta.cc/1PGjgZz