MANITOWOC, WIS. — The US Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced an investment of $20.2 million to expand meat and poultry processing capacity across the nation.

The funds will support 26 projects across 21 states through the Local Meat Capacity (Local MCap) grant program. USDA said this upcoming round is the final set of awards through the program.

Awards will support the purchase of new processing equipment — such as grinders, stuffers and smokers — and processing expansions through facility upgrades and training.

Examples of funded projects include:

  • Haen Meats, Kaukauna, Wis., will use a $1.47 million grant to purchase new equipment, including stuffers, hanging lines, three truck smokehouses, automatic grinders and energy-saving cooling mixers. These upgrades will boost their processing capacity, engage an additional 121 local producers and create 12 new jobs, further supporting the local community.
  • Granite State Packing Inc., Claremont, NH, is receiving a $1.66 million Local MCap grant to purchase new slaughter, cutting and packaging equipment. This will increase the business’ pork slaughter and processing capacity, benefitting 100 local producers and increasing the availability of local pork products. Additionally, 15 new jobs will be created.
  • Montana Premium Processing Cooperative, Havre, Mont., provides critical tribal slaughter support and regional employment opportunities. Using a $250,000 Local MCap grant, the cooperative will boost production capacity by 225% and invest in new equipment, including hoists, vacuum sealers, a bandsaw and steel containers which will enhance both production efficiency and quality control.

Currently, two additional projects totaling $7.8 million have been selected to move forward but are under final review with the USDA.

With today’s announcement, USDA has awarded a total of 97 projects through Local MCap, totaling $55.8 million. A complete list of the funded projects can be found here.

The first round of Local MCap funding was announced in March 2024, and a second round followed in July 2024.