By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced nearly $4 million in funding for 10 meat processing businesses across Kansas through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). The investment is intended to help independent processors expand operations, strengthen competition in livestock markets, and improve the resilience of the meat supply chain.
The funding supports efforts to increase processing capacity while creating new market opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and meat processors. It also aims to improve access to locally processed meat products and strengthen rural economies across Kansas.
Several Kansas-based processors will use the grants to purchase equipment, modernize facilities, and expand production capabilities. These improvements are expected to increase efficiency, improve food safety, and provide additional processing opportunities for livestock producers.
Plainview Beef Company LLC of Peabody received the largest award, securing $2 million to renovate and equip a newly acquired processing facility. The expansion is expected to boost regional processing capacity and create more opportunities for independent cattle producers.
Other recipients include Diamond A Processing LLC, Hat Creek Butchery, Meade Locker & Processing LLC, Meatworks of Kansas LLC, Mitchell Bolling, Randel Inc., Stroot’s Meat Company, T & W Meat Co. LLC, and Walnut Valley Packing LLC. Funding will support equipment upgrades, expanded cold storage, improved packaging systems, and increased production of value-added meat products.
Many of the projects are expected to significantly increase processing capacity and operational efficiency. The upgrades will help businesses serve more producers, reduce processing bottlenecks, improve product quality, and expand access to retail, wholesale, and food-service markets.
The MPPEP program is administered by USDA Rural Development's Rural Business-Cooperative Service and supports the growth of independently owned processing facilities. Eligible applicants include businesses, cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, Tribes, and government entities that meet program requirements.
USDA has awarded more than $200 million through the program to independent meat and poultry processors nationwide. These investments have helped strengthen processing infrastructure, create jobs, and improve supply chain resilience across the United States.
By supporting facility expansions and modernization projects throughout Kansas, USDA aims to increase processing options for livestock producers, encourage greater competition in the meat industry, and build a stronger, more diversified food supply chain.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kansas, Government & Policy, Livestock