A business proposition presented by an area cattleman two years ago is one step closer to reality, after a multi-million-dollar investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 

More than $6.8 million in grant money is being supplied, courtesy of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program, to help construct, equip, and obtain grant of inspection for a slaughter and fabrication facility for Real Kansas Meats of Fall River.

 

Founder and owner Andrew Miller says the goal was to help out smaller producers.

 

Real Kansas Meats collectively has more than 100 years of experience with meat processing facilities. Miller says creating an opportunity for sustainability was the primary aim.

 

The facility will serve an estimated 100 producers across Kansas and Missouri, as well as create 117 new full-time jobs. Miller says he's excited for a future where beef can be tracked through the entire process.

 

The USDA is also issuing $2.45 million in grant money to build a beef and hog processing facility for Top End, who do business as TEAM Processing, in Kanorado, Kansas.