Valley Natural Foods has announced it will be opening a $2 million wholesale meat processing plant, in Northfield, MN, known by the name of Valley Natural Meats.
The company recently acquired 16 acres of land, which will be the future home of the 4,400-square-foot meat processing plant and 4,000-square-foot holding barn. The company expects the plant to be both certified organic and certified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
“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,” explained Jason Harstad, CEO of Valley Natural Meats, according to Northfield News.
In addition to processing, the plant will manufacture specialty and smoked and cured meats, jerky, hams, and sausages for wholesale and retail customers. Northfield News also reports that the company holds a permit to later add two 30-by-70-foot buildings for growing plants, herbs, and flowers.
The company expects phase one construction to begin in August, with operations to begin in November. Reportedly, the plant will start with processing approximately 25 head per day, including cattle and hogs.
Phase two operations are planned for 2017, including becoming United States Department of Agriculture-certified to allow the sale of products outside of Minnesota and the processing of lamb and goats, with long-term processing of deer and bison expected to commence in 2018.
