Northern US meat farmers face fall; bottleneck with processing

Massachusetts' only two USDA-certified meat processors are at capacity in the fall, as many farmers hoping to expand their markets want their livestock butchered for resale, but growth is not enticing as business falls off after the winter.

Some farmers, even those who raise grass-fed animals, are trying to time the slaughter to less busy times at the plants.

Tri-Town and Willard's in Heuvelton, which is on the market, are the only USDA-certified plants around, attracting business from around the state and Vermont. The USDA stamp allows farmers to sell individual cuts of meat to restaurants and consumers.

Farmers had hoped to ease their waiting time with the reopening of the former Perretta Packing in Brier Hill by Gold Medal Packing, Oriskany, but that does not appear likely soon.

According to preliminary results of a survey of farmers in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Franklin, Lewis, Clinton and Oswego counties, thousands of beef cows, lambs, pigs and goats are processed annually.

Producers said they would raise thousands more if they had a place to process them. Many producers also said they would raise chickens if there were a processing plant for them.

Meanwhile, producers with a shortage of storage space might gain some elbow room if the vision of a businessman is realised with a freezer plant in Massena, a good location because its municipal electric system has low rates.