River Ridge to build new meat processing facility in US

US-based River Ridge Land and Cattle Company has announced plans to build and operate a new meat processing facility in Grayson County.

The project will receive support from the Commonwealth of Virginia, which is partnering with Grayson County and River Ridge Land and Cattle through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund.

River Ridge’s new USDA-inspected facility, which will involve an investment of $2.1m, is set to provide meat processing infrastructure to area beef and pork producers.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe said: “This new processing facility will provide an important service for livestock producers across the Commonwealth, and is another great example of strategic investment in projects that help us build the new Virginia economy.”

The company also plans to buy nearly $4m in Virginia-grown beef and pork for use at the facility, where fresh meat will be cut and packaged for wholesale and retail customers.

The facility will also offer various processing and packaging services, including meat snack sticks, jerky, cooked products, and specialty meat packaging.

River Ridge Land and Cattle Company co-owner Charlotte Hanes said: “We are excited about this project and our decision to locate this facility in Independence was an easy decision given the commitment we have had from our state and local partners. 

“We are proud of the confidence that our statewide partners have in us and it is clear that Virginia, and in particular Grayson County, is open for business.”

McAuliffe approved a $50,000 grant from the AFID Fund to assist Grayson County with the project, while the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $45,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds.