Growing Need For Small Processors
A growing demand is a good thing for any business unless supply causes a problem. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be back right after this to tell you what I mean. Producers always like the aspect of a good demand for their product. This scenario works fine for both buyer and seller when supply compliments demand. Right now there is a steady demand for locally grown beef. Ranchers can supply the product but the problem is in the production chain of turning cattle into beef. Smaller, local beef processing plants are in short supply. A report by Food and Water Watch finds these needed facilities are slowly going away. Some of the reasons there are less and less of these operations are low profit margins, complexities of federal regulations and difficulty disposing of slaughter by product. Regulations are slanted toward large, corporate facilities that can afford expensive techniques and equipment stipulated by government requirements. I know the last processing plant to close in our area was very clean but couldn't afford the upgrade to stainless steel walls demanded by inspectors. If smaller, local slaughter houses could be regulated by rules that would fit their operations it could create a positive impact on communities by helping cattle producers furnish the local product area consumers want and providing jobs at the processing plants. While these smaller facilities necessitate different regulations, food safety needs to be a priority. Maybe cleaning techniques could be modified that would still ensure sanitary operations. I know it worked in the past. I think it could work again to help provide local meat for our communities. I'm Jeff Keane.
