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Wisconsin awards Meat Processor Grant funding

Eight Wisconsin businesses have been awarded funding through the 2023 Meat Processor Infrastructure Grant Program.

Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection officials say demand outpaced available funding, as they had seventy applications in this round.

Meat processors from around the state will be improving their facilities to better meet consumer demand.

A total of $200,000 was available for this year’s meat processor grants, with a maximum of $50,000 allowed for each project. Grant recipients were selected through a competitive review process and are required to provide a match of 100 percent of the grant amount.  Governor Tony Evers proposed an additional 1.5 million for the program, but it’s unclear if the Legislature will put that in the final budget.

Grant recipients include:

Salchert Meats, St. Cloud
Provide infrastructure for long-term sustainability project.

JM Watkins LLC, Plum City
Complete expansion and new storefront construction.

Wisconsin River Meats, Mauston
Invest in expanded refrigeration and rail hanging system.

University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls
Fund renovation of livestock holding pens and handling facilities.

NF Packing, Inc., Elkhorn
Build a USDA-licensed facility to address critical gaps in meat supply chain.

The Durand Smokehouse, Durand
Invest in processing and automation expansion.

Sailer’s Food Market & Meat Processing, Elmwood
Complete expansion to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

D-D Meat Processing, Sheboygan Falls
Invest in refrigeration and industrial tank expansion.