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917 W. EXCHANGE STREET, BRODHEAD, WI 53520
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2022
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Argyle meat-processing co-op targets mobile services in southern Wisconsin Meatsmith Co-op, a new producer- and worker-owned meat-processing cooperative, is seeking members to raise capital to open a state-inspected processing facility in Argyle. The cooperative will include mobile, on-farm harvest services for small- and midsize livestock producers. Meatsmith Co-op’s board has been developing a business model for 2 years to open the first cooperative in the state to offer a full-service slaughter and meat processing option for livestock producers. This month, the board is inviting small- and medium-scale producers of cattle, hogs, sheep and goats in southwestern Wisconsin to sign up to become members. Co-op members will gain access to preferential scheduling, lower processing fees and profit sharing, as well as a voice in developing cooperative policies and choosing its leadership, according to a cooperative press release. As members of Meatsmith Meatsmith has been working to acquire and outfit the former grocery store in Argyle, which will become a nose-to-tail meat processing facility with future plans to operate a state-inspected mobile slaughter unit.
Co-op, producers are joining with other livestock farmers in the region who want to have more choice in how their animals are harvested and processed, the release stated. The $500 membership fee represents owner equity in the cooperative. Together, cooperative members’ fees will facilitate purchase of the 6,500-square-foot former grocery store in Argyle, which will be converted into a meat processing facility. Information on becoming a member can be found at www.meatsmithcoop.com Based on a needs-assessment survey of southern Wisconsin farmers, the coop’s business plan focuses on harvesting and processing livestock for small- and medium-scale producers in Dane, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette and Rock counties. While producer and worker members will determine the future of the cooperative, plans are in place to begin operations as a custom-exempt facility in late 2022, with animals harvested on-farm by existing mobile slaughter unit operators. Renovations of the facility are projected for spring or summer 2023. Once they are completed, the co-op intends to become a state-inspected processing facility and begin operating a state-inspected
mobile slaughter unit to harvest animals on-farm. The eventual goal is to participate in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program, making it possible for producers and the co-op to sell meat products throughout the United States. Additionally, the co-op hopes to incorporate a retail storefront offering local meat and non-meat products to the public, provide order-fulfillment services to producer members and offer a group marketing program. A seven-person board representing farmers, butchers, educators and community members is leading the cooperative. Together, they represent decades of experience building sustainable, responsible farming and processing practices. The board has received guidance from the Wisconsin Farmers Union, the Food Finance Institute, the UW Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, and the UW Center for Cooperatives to develop its organizational documents and business plan. As the first local meat-processing cooperative in Wisconsin, the co-op received a grant in May 2022 from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to examine the feasibility of replicating its business model elsewhere in Wisconsin.
MEATSMITH WEBSITE PHOTO Brodhead Independent Register
Field days help new farmers dig into techniques DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension and FairShare CSA Coalition, invite Wisconsin farmers to attend multiple field days in the 2022 growing season. These field days will provide information on a variety of production and management techniques, according to a DATCP news release. Techniques will range from small-scale weed control practices to mushroom growing, rice cultivation techniques, and utilizing high tunnel production to
grow crops that require unique soil or growing conditions. The field days will take place on the following dates: • High Tunnel Field Day Tours, Eau Claire Area, July 12. • Mushroom Production Field Day and Farm Tour, Peshtigo, July 14. • Organic Weed Control Intensive Field Day, Athens, July 24. • Cover Crop Field Day, Verona, July 27. • High Tunnel Field Day Tours, Wausau Area, Aug. 2. • Hands-on Food Safety Field Day, Wausau, Aug. 15. • Rice Production Field Day, Mequon, Sept. 14.
These events are designed for beginning or underserved growers who manage small to mid-scale diversified farm operations, stated Morgan Cavitt in the DATCP release. The field days will connect growers with the information and resources to increase the competitiveness of Wisconsin’s specialty crop industry, Cavitt stated. Hmong translation services are available upon request at most events. For more information, including how to register, visit datcp. wi.gov/Pages/AgDevelop ment/SpecialtyCropEvents. aspx, or contact DATCP Organic and Specialty Crop Specialist Andrew Bernhardt
at 608-572-0512 or andrew. bernhardt@wisconsin.gov. Specialty Crop Support DATCP staff help specialty crop producers overcome challenges, increase profitability, and grow by promoting and administering U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grants for Wisconsin. Program staff collaborate with stakeholders and utilize grant funding to coordinate field days and workshops, create educational materials, and provide one-on-one technical assistance to producers. For more information on specialty crop support, visit DATCP’s specialty crops webpage.
Maple Leaf Cheese Store
W2616 Hwy. 11/81 • Juda, WI
Featuring Cedar Crest Ice Cream 8 Flavors - Hand Dipped
Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
608-934-1237
409
397
Tastee Creme
North edge of Brodhead by Brodhead Collision Center
Cool summer treats
ICE CREAM FLAVORS: Chocolate • Vanilla • Strawberry Chocolate & Vanilla Twist • Strawberry & Vanilla Twist Large variety of malt & shake flavors Many sundae toppings available
Open noon - 9 p.m. daily Gift Certificates Available.
408
397
Join these local businesses offering ice cream treats during June Dairy Month! 419317
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