Farm406

farm406 28 "Here's an example of what a processing plant could do for the rancher. I recently sold a young bull at an auction for $700. If I had processed it through the plant and had it cut into hamburger, I could have sold it for $2800, which is a lile more than three times more," said Walter Schweitzer, who is one of the directors of MPPC, ranches near Geyser, and is currently president of Montana Farmers Union. "A member-owned meat processing plant is a viable opportunity for ranchers to try to regain more of their cale dollar. However, it takes time to develop their own markets, whether they sell on the Internet directly; contract with local businesses, schools, and restaurants; or use a unique venue to connect with the consumers who might want a locally produced protein," said Bre DeBruycker, also an MPPC director who ranches near Duon. A former Schwan's warehouse located outside the Havre city limits was purchased by Montana Farmers Union and leased to MPPC. It is being retrofied into a meat processing plant consisting of a drop-off area, harvesting space where slaughtering and readying the carcass for butchering takes place, a cut and wrap site, and a freezing and storage location. e building is approximately 60' x 60' with more space outside to add on to the building. e plant will process USDA inspected meat. MPPC has hired retired inspectors as consultants to ensure that the plant is retrofied correctly. e goal is to be open for business by February 2022. Twenty to twenty-five employees will process up to 4,000 head a year at the Havre plant. Emphasis will be on processing beef, though sheep, goats, bison, and hogs will eventually be processed. Montana Premium Beef. Photo Courtesy of Montana Farmers Union Moving cattle on the Mannix Ranch near Helmville, Montana. Photo courtesy of Old Salt Co-op

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