Christopher Danner

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the imbalance of available meat processing facilities for small- and medium-scale farmers. Before the pandemic, these livestock producers already had difficulty accessing processing facilities, as meat processors have decreased in number and increased in scale over the last few decades. Consumer demand for locally-raised meats, however, has increased in recent years. Meat processing is, therefore, a critical chokepoint in Minnesota's food system. This qualitative, interview-based study sought to better understand the conditions that existing meat processors face. Representatives from eight processors in the Midwest were interviewed and asked to describe their experiences, business challenges, and goals for the future. The researchers created a case study around each processor, combining interview data with pictures and graphic analysis to share their story. We found that the pandemic has significantly increased demand from farmers as processors are asked to accept more animals, straining capacity. While this has been good for their businesses, processors shared challenges that prevent them from increasing their bandwidth, including labor shortages, regulatory compliance, and capital limitations. We conclude that addressing these challenges will tangentially improve the efficiency and scale at which locally-raised meats can be processed for consumers in the State of Minnesota.