WASHINGTON – Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) announced on March 16 that $7.8 million from the American Rescue Plan will be allocated to local meat processors in Montana.

Tester noted that 17 meat processing projects will be part of the funding, including resources for three new US Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified facilities.

“Production agriculture is Montana’s number one industry and the backbone of our economy, and I’m proud to have secured these American Rescue Plan resources that will support family farmers, ranchers, meat processors, and small businesses across our state,” Tester said. “These investments will expand local processing facilities, grow small businesses and support good-paying jobs in communities across Montana.”

Tester added that this money was part of $1.25 billion of the Coronavirus State and Local Relief Fund. 

The USDA facilities listed by Tester’s office included Big Sky Processing in Pray, who was awarded $150,000. Blue Creek Marbled Meat Co. in Billings was allocated $300,000. Finally, M&S Meats in Rollins received $450,000.

An entire list of companies that were awarded funding in Montana can be found here.