Southern Missouri Meat Processor Awarded $730k USDA Grant

A chain of family-owned meat processors in Southern Missouri will receive funds from USDA to speed up the process of establishing a federal inspection program.  Zimmerman Meats, with locations in Marshfield, Salem and Summersville, was awarded $730,000 through the department’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program.  Zimmerman began operations in 2003 and serves local producers, wholesale clients, and retail consumers across the region.  According to USDA, the business is in the midst of a long-range expansion project, which will not only see a shift from state to federal inspection, but also a significant increase in its slaughter capacity.

Zimmerman Meats is among 21 recipients announced Wednesday in the first round of grants from USDA’s processing expansion program.  Through the program, USDA plans to award $223 million in grants, with the aim of developing what the department calls a fairer, more competitive, and more resilient meat and poultry supply chain.