The U.S. Department of Agriculture is launching a new program to help small and mid-sized beef processors grow and expand.

The USDA Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Richard Fordyce, says the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) program is designed to give cattle producers more places to process and market their livestock.

 

In southeast Kansas, Real Kansas Meats in Fredonia is one example of a local processor that has benefited from previous USDA funding to expand its operations.

 

USDA says the new program is another step toward creating more opportunities for ranchers and strengthening the beef industry.