Larry’s Custom Meats Sets a New Standard
As more people become aware of what they eat, the demand for local grass-fed meat becomes higher. Larry’s Custom Meats in Hartwick, New York is meeting that demand while setting a new industry standard for USDA certified meat processing plants. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on May 14, 2011 to celebrate the grand opening. The expansion is expected to double their capacity over the next five years and return $4.25 million annually to farmers.
Larry Althiser chose an energy-efficient and affordable Allied Steel Building to house his new state of the art 6000 sq. ft. facility. Originally opened in 2002, Larry’s Custom Meats is now a high capacity, USDA certified meat processing plant. The project received a grant of $25,000 from the Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship (CADE). With the assistance of CADE, and other local economic development partners, Althiser was able to complete the HACCP training and the USDA certification process to open his new facility. Before Althiser opened his new plant, he already had 30 farmers on a waiting list.
CADE is diligently working to bring profitable returns to farmers in the region. Upstate New York is rich in agriculture, but with the lack of USDA certified meat processing plants many farmers are unable to yield their return in a timely manner. CADE is assisting processors to increase capacity and also encouraging farmers to space their harvest throughout the year. The increased capacity at Larry’s Custom Meats allows farmers in the area yield returns faster which can increase their livestock holdings overall. Larry’s Custom Meats is a model meat processing plant housed in an energy-efficient Allied Steel building complete with streamlined processing, electronic records and data management services.
To learn more about Larry’s Custom Meats please visit the video link below:
http://foodcurated.com/2011/04/cade-part-1-building-artisan-slaughterhouses-in-upstate-new-york-to-feed-the-demand-for-grass-fed-meat/
About Larry’s Custom Meats: Originally opened in 2002, Larry’s Custom Meats is now a high capacity, USDA certified meat processing plant in Hartwick, New York. For more information contact (607) 293-7927.
