January 9, 2023

Meat businesses in western Iowa, US, to get US$1 million funding from USDA

Two western Iowa, US operations will receive about US$1 million in financing from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand local meat production, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced.

Jordan's Meat Market, a startup in Marcus, will receive an US$800,000 loan guarantee to cover construction and provide working capital for the northwest Iowa project.

Waubonsie Ridge Beef, a family-owned cattle operation west of Tabor in southwest Iowa, will receive a US$210,000 grant to support expanded beef processing and marketing, the agriculture department said. The business sells beef and pork locally and online.

Altogether, the department provided US$9.6 million in grants and loan guarantees to expand production regionally as well as boost rural economies. Vilsack told reporters the financing will help improve farmers' and ranchers' bottom line while strengthening the United States' food supply chain.

A couple of western Iowa businesses will receive about US$1 million in financing from the USDA to expand beef and other livestock processing.

"We're looking at creative and comprehensive ... opportunities to expand more, new and better markets for meat and poultry," Vilsack said. "Hopefully, it will create more income for farmers and more choice for consumers" and more jobs.”

Vilsack said he expects more announcements in the months ahead.

- Des Moines Register