11/12/2008 9:21:00 AM Mobile meat processing units for beef
Consolidation in the meat processing industry has resulted in fewer locations where animals can be processed under USDA inspection. This comes at an inopportune time as more and more consumers are demanding their beef be locally grown - making a need for slaughter houses by small farmers.
For smaller producers, who lack the resources to transport small numbers of animals over long distances and who prefer to avoid the stress placed on the animals, this has created a major obstacle. The system makes it difficult to sell USDA-inspected meat in the communities where it is produced and directly to consumers.
The Nebraska Environmental Action Coalition has identified a USDA-inspected Mobile Meat-Processing Unit as an important step. Several of these units have been manufactured in Washington State and are currently in operation around the country.
A Mobile Meat Processing Unit allows "on-farm" slaughtering of large animals (beef, pork, lamb, goats, etc.). The carcasses would then be transported to facilities for further cutting and packaging to schools, grocers, restaurants, consumers or other institutions in want of locally-raised meats.
With this type of local processing, farmers and ranchers could choose how to finish their animals to meet customer demand and easily market meat to local establishments.
If you would like more information, contact Diane Schroeder, co-director of the Nebraska Environmental Action Coalition at mrs@clarks.net or 402.641.3652.
