Really impressive work, again, Cheryl. The National Farmers Union and Iowa Farmers Union have been working tirelessly on this issue as well. Unfortunately, West Liberty Foods just announced it's laying off hundreds of people. Wonder where all that federal money is going. It ain't going to those jobs, that's for sure.
Thanks, Susan! I think that USDA grants to the processing plants like West Liberty and the new one being built in SW Iowa are very risky indeed. I hope I'm wrong, but the history of producer-owned processing plants is not encouraging. I'm not sure we should give up on it, though, but it's certainly not a cure-all for all that ails the industry. Yes, you're right, the National Farmers Union and Iowa Farmers Union also have been at the forefront of this issue. Thanks for your comments!
No, we can’t give up. I’m with you on that. I just wish we hadn’t defunded our government so much that at this point it’s giving out money but not holding recipients accountable. Iowa is awash in federal money that local Republicans are taking credit for doling out, and no one believes anyone should be checking up on where that money ends up. Very frustrating.
Fingers crossed that the beef plant in Mills County (Cattleman’s Heritage) actually gets up and running and is viable. Otherwise we’ll be witnessing more grant money battered down by the monopoly in the industry.
Yes, Josiah. I do worry about that! It is a risky proposition, and especially if it's eventually acquired by one of the Big Four. The history of producer-run and new start-ups in processing isn't terribly encouraging. Just hopeful that one of these will succeed, and we can learn lessons for future business ventures. Thanks!
The last piece I saw in Drover’s Journal (?) made me think most of the new small beef plants were scaling back their plans. Promoters never let on when they are seeking grants from governments though.
Cheryl, I appreciate your columns. I learn so much with each column. Thanks
Thank you, Laura. I appreciate your encouragement (and your perseverance in sticking with me despite my penchant for often too complex topics).
Really impressive work, again, Cheryl. The National Farmers Union and Iowa Farmers Union have been working tirelessly on this issue as well. Unfortunately, West Liberty Foods just announced it's laying off hundreds of people. Wonder where all that federal money is going. It ain't going to those jobs, that's for sure.
Thanks, Susan! I think that USDA grants to the processing plants like West Liberty and the new one being built in SW Iowa are very risky indeed. I hope I'm wrong, but the history of producer-owned processing plants is not encouraging. I'm not sure we should give up on it, though, but it's certainly not a cure-all for all that ails the industry. Yes, you're right, the National Farmers Union and Iowa Farmers Union also have been at the forefront of this issue. Thanks for your comments!
No, we can’t give up. I’m with you on that. I just wish we hadn’t defunded our government so much that at this point it’s giving out money but not holding recipients accountable. Iowa is awash in federal money that local Republicans are taking credit for doling out, and no one believes anyone should be checking up on where that money ends up. Very frustrating.
Fingers crossed that the beef plant in Mills County (Cattleman’s Heritage) actually gets up and running and is viable. Otherwise we’ll be witnessing more grant money battered down by the monopoly in the industry.
Yes, Josiah. I do worry about that! It is a risky proposition, and especially if it's eventually acquired by one of the Big Four. The history of producer-run and new start-ups in processing isn't terribly encouraging. Just hopeful that one of these will succeed, and we can learn lessons for future business ventures. Thanks!
The last piece I saw in Drover’s Journal (?) made me think most of the new small beef plants were scaling back their plans. Promoters never let on when they are seeking grants from governments though.
Ha! Good point! If you read or hear any update, please let me know. I couldn't find an opening date for the SW Iowa plant. Thanks!