Valley Natural Foods to open meat processing plant in Minnesota, US

Valley Natural Foods plans to open a wholesale meat processing facility under its Valley Natural Meats subsidiary in Northfield, Minnesota, US.

The firm purchased 16 acres of land, including a building that will be retrofitted to address increasing growing demand of livestock producers and serve the requirements of family farms in southern Minnesota.

It will be a 4,400ft² MDA and organic-certified meat processing plant with a 4,000ft² holding barn.

With a $2m investment, the plant will also manufacture smoked and cured meats, jerky, hams and sausages for wholesale and retail customers.

Valley Natual Meats holds a permit to add two hoop-type buildings for growing plants, herbs and flowers later.

Valley Natural Meats CEO Jason Harstad said: "Our new processing facility will be different from most smaller, niche plants in that it will process naturally and humanely raised, grass and organic-grain fed, locally produced meats, and will be one of a few certified, organic multi-species beef and meat processors in the entire state."

Starting operations later this year, the new plant will be able to process approximately 25 heads a day, including cattle and hogs.

The company plans to start the phase two operation of the facility by next year. It aims to make the facility USDA-certified to sell products outside of Minnesota, and process lamb and goat.

In 2018, Valley Natural Meats plans to add deer and bison processing.