<< Back What’s on this page? Meat processing rules and regulations are complex but not impossible to understand. In the words of one of our favorite processors, Will Harris of White Oak Pastures, “you gotta keep the meat cool, clean and covered.” Maintaining proper temperatures, good sanitation, and protection from foreign elements (indoors and […]
Meat Processing Rules & Regulations Read More »
Contents 1 Basic Information 2 The Market Opportunity 3 Basic History/Development 4 The People/Organization(s) Involved 5 Funding Source 6 Business Plan 7 Deciphering Regulations and Complying 8 Plant Design 9 Big Glitches and How They Were Solved 10 Required Equipment 11 Staff Needed and How They Were Found/Trained, What They Cost 12 Financial Sustainability Plan
Good Natured Family Farms Meat Processing Plant Read More »
<< Back What’s on this page? Finding capable and willing labor is a serious challenge for all meat processors, regardless of size. Small plants often require a higher average skill level than large plants but cannot afford to pay a high wage through the employee-training period. While we do not know of any great solutions
Meat Processor Workforce Management Read More »
Niche Meat Processor Case Studies The following case studies offer a detailed look inside a variety of niche-oriented meat processors. Some have photos, design drawings, and even videos. The processors gave generously of their time and information so that we could share their stories with you. Fixed Facilities Foothills Local Meat/Butcher Bars (April 2018) Asheville
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Smucker’s Meats is a USDA-inspected slaughter, fabrication, and further-processing plant for red meat. The core of their business is processing locally grown livestock that are sustainably raised. Their services are in high demand — they are typically scheduled out 3-4 months. They are located in Mount Joy, PA. Smucker’s Meats website Additional case study (2012): more
This case study details a small locker-type plant from the Midwest (owners have asked to remain anonymous). The facility has been in continuous operation since 1939, under 6 different owners. The locker is state-inspected for hog slaughter and for processing, but more than 90% of their work is custom uninspected, and they offer a wide
Midwestern Country Locker Read More »
Updated 3.29.2018 The Island Grown Farmer Cooperative (IGFC) mobile processing unit (MPU) was the first USDA-inspected mobile slaughter facility for red meat in the U.S. Further processing is done at a permanent plant in Bow, WA, also USDA-inspected. Additional case study (2012): more about how IGFC works Basic information Capacity per day: MPU: about 9-10
Island Grown Farmers Cooperative (updated 3/2018) Read More »
There are four types of inspection a meat processor can operate under, or some combination thereof: Federal Inspection (USDA) The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) is responsible for this type of inspection. Federally inspected products can be shipped over state lines (interstate commerce) and internationally to many countries.
Updated Sept. 2013 In the last few years, there has been a huge increase in demand for rabbit processing services. This MPU is currently processing around 80 rabbits a week, about every other week. Producers are selling the rabbit meat at farmer’s markets, restaurants and retailers- one producer commented that he “can’t grow them fast
Kentucky Mobile Poultry Processing Unit Read More »
<< Back What’s on this page? Here you’ll find resources for planning a new meat processing business or expanding an existing one. The economics of small-scale meat processing are tough. It is a capital-intensive, thin-margin, high-risk business. A solid business plan is absolutely essential in this industry. There are several links here to help you
Business Planning Resources Read More »
