A new meat processing facility in Staples, Minnesota, is officially open. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says this facility addresses the need for more local processing capacity that became particularly apparent during the COVID pandemic. “I’m really proud of Farmers Union for sticking with us,” Petersen said. “They really saw a need, really through COVID and everything, that we need more local processing. Consumers want it and farmers want it, too.” The plant processes cattle and hogs. The facility will also provide hands-on training for meat-cutting students at Central Lakes College.
