Recent supply chain disruptions in the beef market have created interest in expanding local processing throughout the United States, including Alabama. In response to the processing challenges cattlemen have faced the past few years, the Alabama State Beef Checkoff funded the following feasibility study— conducted by Auburn University and Alabama Cooperative Extension System— to establish the needs and barriers for small meat processing expansion in the state. A comprehensive analysis on this subject matter has not been done in over 20 years for the state. As the cattle industry has changed in many ways over that time, both producers and consumers are more interested than ever in local beef.
This report is to serve as a tool for those interested in small meat processing or producing locally grown beef. It provides up to date analysis on consumers, the current economics of the industry, current small meat processing capacity in the state and a financial analysis for a 35-head/week small beef processor.
Key findings of this study will be published soon in the form of a white paper. For now, the comprehensive report is available for review below.
Brought to you by Alabama Beef Farmers and Ranchers. Learn more about the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program at www.BamaBeef.org/Checkoff.