DES MOINES, IOWA — Darling Ingredients Inc. has reached an agreement with the Cattlemen’s Heritage Beef Co. to receive the off-take from the beef processor’s upcoming Mills County, Iowa, plant.
“Cattlemen’s Heritage plays a critical role in delivering quality beef from Midwest family farms to consumers, with an emphasis on excellence and sustainability,” said Randall Stuewe, chairman and chief executive officer at Darling Ingredients. “As protein demand continues to grow, Darling Ingredients will continue to be an integral part of the circular economy. The raw material off-take from Cattleman’s Heritage will also provide additional feedstock for our current renewable diesel production and recently announced investment in sustainable aviation fuel production.”
In January, Cattlemen’s Heritage announced plans to build the $520 million Mills County facility that would have a 2,000-head-per-day capacity. The 132-acre-long operation is set to begin in spring 2023.
Cattlemen’s Heritage Lead Developer Chad Tentinger said Darling Ingredients’ facility is a mere eight miles from the site where the beef processor will break ground this year.
“As a fourth-generation cattle producer, I always prefer to work with businesses that have staying power and a record of success and innovation,” said Chad Tentinger, Cattlemen’s Heritage lead developer.
“I respect the fact that Darling Ingredients’ roots reach back to the 19th century and that the company has evolved from a small rendering firm to the world’s leading producer of sustainable, organic ingredients,” he added. “Darling’s people are innovators in a challenging and ever-changing business, and they’re absolutely the best choice for us. Darling Ingredients’ front-line people also have a solid record as responsible transporters and next-step processors of off-take, and that factored heavily into our decision.”
