The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Has a New Agriculture Industry Partner in the Kentucky Association of Meat Processors

The Kentucky Association of Meat Processors was formed with funding from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and joined the American Association of Meat Processors as a state affiliate in June.

“KAMP hopes to work alongside KCA to strengthen the agriculture industry for the state,” said Jennifer Hardin, executive secretary. “Producers and processors must work together to ensure that initiatives of the industry are first and foremost. We are grateful to operate in a state with such a strong commodity group supporting the cattle industry.” The association’s goals are to be an educational resource and unified voice for the Kentucky meat processing industry while providing networking opportunities for its members.

“Our members are located across the state and face different community issues,” said Chris

Milam, association president “The association will give meat processors from across Kentucky the opportunity to learn about federal legislation, collaborate on inspection programs, share their experiences and issues, ask questions and learn from

The group’s growing membership currently includes around 40 processors and 10 suppliers. The processing operations process several animals including beef, pork, goat and sheep. They include both custom operations, which process meats for personal use, and USDAinspected facilities, which produce products for resale. Most are small-to-medium-size, family-owned businesses.

The association plans to work with KCA members on advocating for agriculture, providing processing support for beef producers and keeping producers aware of issues in beef processing, should they occur.

KCA members can find out more about KAMP online at kymeatprocessors.org or on Facebook @ kentuckyassociationofmeatprocessors.