STAPLES, MINN. — Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) announced the groundbreaking of its Farmers Union Processing + Meats in Staples, Minn.

The 8,000-square-foot facility will employ up to 15 people when fully operational. MFU will partner with Central Lakes College and Ridgewater College on training and offer internship opportunities for students studying butchery and meat processing.  

“This project beautifully illustrates the power of grassroots membership driving action at the state and national level,” said Gary Wertish, president of MFU. “MFU members raised the issue of a lack of meat processing infrastructure in 2019 and COVID-19 elevated the issue. MFU members called for more investment in meat processing at the state and federal level. Lawmakers responded and both levels of government made investments in this vital part of local processing infrastructure. MFU is proud to work with partners from across the political spectrum at all levels of government in addition to private sector supporters to bring Farmers Union Processing + Meats to fruition.”

The operational focus of the facility will be to process beef, pork, lamb and goats for farmers in a region that does not have a federally inspected plant near their farms.

Some of the partners listed by the MFU for this project include the US Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Marketing Service, United States Economic Development Administration, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence among many others at the local level.

“MFU looks forward to working with livestock farmers in the Staples area to provide a USDA-compliant meat processing facility, which will open new market opportunities to them,” Wertish added. “We hope this facility serves as a catalyst for rural economic development in the region.”

The lead contractor for the project is Hy-Tec Construction of Brainerd, Minn., along with Widseth as the project architect. Construction on the $8 million project is expected to start in June with a tentative opening date of January 2026.

Local and federal officials attended the groundbreaking event, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar.