Hoeven: USDA Awards More Than Half a Million to Expand Meat Processing Capacity in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $509,912 to three North Dakota meat processors through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). The funding will help expand processing capacity, modernize equipment, and strengthen market opportunities for North Dakota livestock producers. The grants include: Maple Valley Locker Inc. in Enderlin – $184,238 to purchase new equipment and technology to modernize meat processing operations, increase production and improve efficiency. Butcher’s Edge in Edgeley – $169,087 to purchase new packaging equipment to increase processing capacity, improve efficiency and expand access to retail markets. Spruce Hill Meats LLC in Bowman – $156,587 to replace outdated equipment, expand processing capacity and improve operations at its USDA-inspected facility. “North Dakota’s ranchers need access to reliable, local meat processing facilities to get their products to market,” said Hoeven. “These investments will help independent processors expand their operations, increase competition and provide more opportunities for our livestock producers while strengthening our state’s agricultural economy.” -###-