One of the biggest challenges facing small livestock producers is the lack of adequate 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 Rural Development, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network, Ranch Foods Direct, 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, including Wyoming, Western Kansas and Nebraska, Northern New Mexico, and West Texas, 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.
The 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 us. You may also offer your comments and feedback by filling out a survey here. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M6GM7QS
Montrose
January 22, 2016, 10am
Montrose County Fairgrounds Friendship Hall
1001 N. 2nd Street
http://conta.cc/1WnMUIX
La Junta
February 4, 2016, 10am
Otero Junior College
1802 Colorado Avenue
http://conta.cc/1nf8JPc
Alamosa
February 5, 2016, 9:30am
Hospice del Valle
514 Main Street (please enter through the back door off the parking lot)
http://conta.cc/1Rwnj0Z
Fort Morgan
Morgan County Rural Electric Association
20169 US Hwy. 34
http://conta.cc/1V2jcYo