Challenges facing small meat processors to be discussed during virtual town hall

Small Towns
Contact(s)

Teresa Hoffman, policy communications associate, teresah@cfra.org, 402.687.2100, ext. 1012; Rhea Landholm, brand marketing & communications manager,  rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1025

LYONS, NEBRASKA – Nebraska State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth and Kevin Barnhill, owner of the Blair Meat Market in Blair, will discuss, and take questions on the problems facing local meat processors during a virtual town hall hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs. 

“The Future of Local Meat Markets” will begin at 6 p.m., Sept. 10. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown into sharp relief a number of issues surrounding meat processing in the Midwest,” said Nathan Beacom, policy associate for the Center for Rural Affairs. “In late spring, consumers noticed higher prices, shortages, and purchasing limits at grocery stores, producers lost livestock as major meatpacking plants ground to a halt, and small farmers were pushed out of local meat lockers by a flood of product from big commodity producers.” 

As a result, Beacom said, small farmers, meat processors, and consumers are looking for a better way of doing business.

Topics to be discussed include a study being proposed by State Sen. Tom Brewer to look into the creation of a state meat inspection program that would make it easier for Nebraskans to buy and sell meat locally and the Small Meat Sector Resilience Act now before the U.S.  House Committee on Agriculture. The legislation would provide for cost share programs, technical assistance, and targeted grants to increase processing capacity and storage.

For more information and to register for this online event, call 402.687.2100 or email info@cfra.org.

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