Shovels hit the dirt as building begins for new meat processing facility in Staples

A new chapter in rural economic development and agricultural processing began on Friday, June 6, as members of the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) dug their shovels into the ground that will soon feature what they expect to be a state-of-the-art meat processing facility in Staples.

Farmers Union Processing + Meats will be located within the Staples industrial park, at 901 Prairie Avenue NW. The 8,000-square-foot facility will focus on processing beef and pork and is designed to meet the United States Department of Agriculture compliance standards. Once operational, it is expected to employ up to 15 people and serve as a vital resource for area farmers seeking local, federally-inspected processing options.

Members of the Minnesota Farmers Union, along with representatives from Central Lakes College, numerous community leaders, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar were on site for the groundbreaking ceremony.