Upper Peninsula Meat Processing Feasibility Study results Released

Jan 25, 2017

By Michelle Walk

The demand for local food products continues to increase, but sourcing local products continues to be a challenge in some regions. In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, there has been much feedback regarding access to processing for meat products. As a result of input received from producers and buyers, a group of stakeholders applied for and received a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Strategic Growth Initiative grant in the fall of 2015. They were able to conduct a feasibility study to determine if more processing is needed and what type of facility might be feasible. The study was completed in December 2016, and the executive summary and full report are now available at the UP Food Exchange website under the resources tab. The consultants and advisory committee will host a webinar on February 22 at 7 p.m. to share more detail on the study and the recommendations. Registration information can be found at the Michigan State University Extension event page.

The Upper Peninsula Multi-species Processing Feasibility Study Project was a cooperative venture between several stakeholders, including Marquette County, MSU Extension, Upper Peninsula Food Exchange, Farm Bureau and regional planning organizations, and hired Karen Karp & Partners along with John-Mark Hack of Marksbury Farm to conduct a feasibility study. The study was designed to understand the needs of livestock producers relating to harvest and processing and what additional resources are needed to support livestock producers in the Upper Peninsula.

The study was initiated to assess the feasibility of a new multi-species processing facility in the U.P. Based on a general finding of insufficient volumes to support a new facility, the project team concluded that such a facility would not be feasible at this time. The team did, however, find a clear need for increased slaughter and processing capacity in the region. The research team concluded that targeted initiatives could increase the region’s capacity and throughput by nurturing incremental growth in production, processing and demand.

Four primary recommendations with connected strategies were developed and focus on the following: increased communication and coordination

Cultivate and tapping into the greater demand for U.P.-produced meat
Increase access to tools and guidance for farmers and processers
Expand processing capacity in the Upper Peninsula

Source: msu.edu

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.