December 10, 2025

 

Cargill opens new employee housing in Fort Morgan, strengthening continued investment in US beef 

 

Cargill recently celebrated the official opening of an 81-unit employee apartment complex in Fort Morgan, Colorado, the United States — marking the latest milestone in a US$40 million housing initiative aimed at improving workforce support and strengthening the local community. 

 

The newly opened apartments, in addition to 27 townhomes completed earlier this year, provide quality housing for more than 100 employees at Cargill's beef processing facility. Developed in collaboration with Portmanteau, United Way of Morgan County, Project Moxie, and the Morgan County Family Center, the Riverside Housing initiative is part of a coordinated effort to help address the region's housing shortage — a barrier that has made it harder for both employers and families to thrive in Morgan County. To qualify for housing, at least one tenant must be employed at the Cargill Fort Morgan plant, and units are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

"This project is already making a meaningful difference for our team," said Johanna Hernandez, general manager of Cargill's Fort Morgan facility. "Nearly 60% of our employees commute from outside Fort Morgan, many traveling 45 minutes to an hour each way. Providing homes in Fort Morgan gives our employees more time with their families, reduces daily stress, and strengthens the fabric of this community we are proud to serve." 

 

Developed with local partners, the housing initiative helps address Morgan County's housing shortage, offering units for Fort Morgan plant employees and supporting families through more than US$500,000 in community grants.

 

In addition to the housing investment, Cargill has provided over US$500,000 in local grants, including support for expanded childcare services and first-time homebuyer education — further addressing the barriers facing working families in the region.

 

The housing initiative is part of Cargill's broader $90 million commitment to Fort Morgan and the future of the US beef industry. This includes automation and technology upgrades at the plant through its Factory of the Future initiative. These enhancements are designed to improve workplace safety and increase operational efficiency. Since 2021, Cargill has already invested $24 million in upgrades at the site.

 

One of the most recent innovations introduced at Fort Morgan is CarVe, Cargill's proprietary, patent-pending computer vision system. CarVe delivers real-time yield data to frontline managers, helping employees improve cutting precision, reduce waste, and capture more meat per animal — especially important as cattle supplies tighten in the current market.

Cargill's new housing initiative reflects a larger US$90 million investment in Fort Morgan, advancing community support and Factory of the Future technology upgrades at the plant.

 

"Every ounce matters," said Leon Fletcher, vice president of operations for Cargill Beef. "Even a single ounce of improved yield can mean more than a million additional meals in the food supply. While results may vary by location, what we're seeing confirms the power of this technology. It supports our employees and strengthens the supply chain."

 

- Cargill