Over $5 million in grants to go to Nebraska meat processors

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Department of Agriculture plans to award about $5.1 million in grants this year to help smaller meat processors expand and improve operations.

Applications for the funds are to open Jan. 16 for one month.

The grants are made possible from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds and were authorized by the Nebraska Legislature in 2022.

A news release from the state Agriculture Department said the grants build upon funding awarded last year by the Independent Processor Assistance Program to 62 livestock producers and meat processors.

“From increasing freezer capacity to adding meat grinders, slicers and a smokehouse, Nebraska livestock producers and meat processors used the last round of IPAP grant funds to strengthen and expand their operations,” said Agriculture Department Director Sherry Vinton.

Applicants must have sales revenue of less than $2.5 million and employ fewer than 25 people.