USDA seeks production boost of small poultry producers

Many US counties, particularly in Rocky Mountain, have dozens or hundreds of small cattle, hog or chicken farms but no government-licensed slaughter plants. USDA plans to identify areas with relatively high densities of small livestock and poultry producers, but without a nearby slaughter facility. Providing assistance to new and existing facilities to increase slaughter availability in these areas will benefit both local food systems and the public health.

The plan was announced as part of an update of the USDA's ''Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food'' program, which is aimed at supporting rural communities and smaller producers.

Historically a low-margin or money-losing business, a number of US slaughterhouses have dwindled over the past three decades as plants were closed and large meatpackers consolidated.

US maps provided by the USDA today showed most ''small'' or ''very small'' federally-inspected cattle, hog or chicken plants concentrated in the eastern half of the country.

Based on the USDA's definition, small slaughter plants have between 10 and 499 employees, while very small slaughter plants have fewer than 10 employees or less than US$2.5 million in annual sales.