August 10, 2006

US university sets up centre to process and research beef

A US university initiative to set up a beef processing and research centre has received better than expected response, exceeding its US$3.5 million initial investment target.

North Dakota State University is partnering with the New Rockford-based North American Bison Cooperative on the beef processing.

The university would serve as a procurement arm for "natural" beef, which is from cattle not treated with medicines or growth hormones.

The whole project is expected to cost US$6.5 million. Part of the money would be sourced through federal funds, state funds and private donations.

Bowman rancher Roger Stuber, a member of the interim board, said the development of North Dakota Natural Beef is important for the state, saying there is a lot of opportunity in North Dakota to expand livestock production, and this allowed producers in the state to have a market for their cattle and allows the cattle feeding industry to expand.

More than 30 people and groups have invested in the North Dakota Natural Beef LLC project, helping it exceed its investment goal, officials said.

The proposed plant initially would handle about 1,200 cattle and up to 10,000 bison. By year five, the goal is for 25,000 cattle and 18,000 bison.