COOPERATIVE UPDATE

The Montana Premium Processing Cooperative is up and going!

The idea of a Montana meat processing cooperative began back in 2020 when the shelves ran empty of meats of all kinds. At the same time, our ranchers were getting some of the lowest prices for their cattle in decades. The inability to find local USDA certified butchers without a year or two waiting list came to a head and a handful of ranchers began the steering committee for what became the Montana Premium Processing Cooperative. That journey culminated with the first animal harvested on Feb. 7. Actually, it was four cows and two sheep – General Manager Bill Jones is ambitious but still finished the first day ahead of schedule.

Animals are now moving through the facility under a custom exempt certification. The facility has been designed under USDA standards and MPPC is looking forward to receiving USDA certification shortly.

Havre has proven to be a great location for finding quality staff with four employees already hired to support Jones.

MPPC will continue to grow as efficiently as possible to increase capacity for the membership.

MPPC membership has grown to more than 50 and contracts to join are available. The newest Board member, Casey Buffington, has been a strong addition and brings valuable ranching and marketing perspectives.

Montana Premium Processing Cooperative is a Montana producer-owned cooperative located in Havre. Membership grants a rancher first rights to hook space in order to allow marketing of their USDA processed livestock. Additionally, the board of directors is made up entirely of members, with membership voting annually to fill rotating seats. This design ensures MPPC will always work for the best interest of the producers it supports.

For more information or to join, check out www.mtpremiumprocessing.com or email info@mtpremiumprocessing.com.