A Clay County livestock processing plant has received a state agriculture grant, with plans to expand and become the first USDA graded establishment in the state.
D&D Meats President John Donaldson said the business applied for the Agricultural Enterprise Fund, a grant supporting projects advancing agricultural growth in the state. Donaldson said all parts of the production process can be done in state.
“I think it’s a major achievement,” Donaldson said. “That opens the door for us to market a premium, locally produced product that’s verified locally produced.”
Donaldson said the business plans to develop a co-op, bringing in product to harvest and market as a 100 percent, locally-sourced product. Donaldson said he hopes to reach a whole-sale market. Donaldson said the product will be verified in-state, leaving no part of production out-of-state.
“We’re after a high choice and a prime product,” Donaldson said.
Donaldson said he hopes to add more jobs through this business expansion, as previous expansions have lead to job growth. Donaldson said he hopes to add on two to five more workers.
Donaldson said the business will use the grant to build an additional cooler, freezer space and a portion cutting floor. Donaldson said these additions will improve upon where the business is now, automating portions of the production process and taking actions to move product through the facility more efficiently. Donaldson said increasing the space in the facility helps the business run smooth, allowing for warehouse and store product.
“We will be able to affix USDA grades and program labeling to any product that we produce or harvest for other people,” Donaldson said.
Donaldson said this expansion will place the business outside of the traditional supply chain. Donaldson said there is no other product that has verification for being produced or harvested in the state. Donaldson said it is popular for companies to use marketing rather than verifying the product.
Donaldson said the business will begin expansion by the first of the year. Donaldson said he plans to move fast with this project, aiming to have the new addition finished by no later than the end of next month.