Alton, Mo. – Do you raise chickens on a large scale? Are you trying to get the most for your money? There are people interested in opening a poultry processing plant here in Oregon County. They want your input on the feasibility, demands, and possibilities.
What Is This?
Experts did a study and showed it to interested individuals on May 7. It suggested the plant be held in the Thayer Business Park. The report tallied up growers within a four-hour drive time and calculated that we could run a medium-sized chicken plant. It would be a coop run by investors. It offered suggestions regarding making it an LLC, along with the catching and processing. This idea needs about 24 people to partake as shareholders.
Pros And Cons
Running a coop would have its pros and cons. Even the number of employees has its benefits and drawbacks. A medium facility would have 130 full-time employees. The researcher suggested that if they were unavailable nearby, Mexicans and other immigrants could be brought here.
Pros
Working collectively, growers could sell with contracts to larger buyers like Tyson or Diamond Pet Foods. Their flocks would be taken quickly to where the best price is. Many local people will have full-time jobs without having to drive all the way to West Plains.
Cons
This would require upfront funds to begin construction, setup, and the systems required for such an organization. Together, would they be able to meet the demands of large corporations, even when the herd shrinks for various reasons? And then what?
Next Steps
Oregon County Commissioner Stubblefield is looking for producers’ input. He wants another scheduled meeting where producers can come, bring their ideas, and possibly go forward with this idea. One can reach Stubblefield at 417-778-7475 or by stopping by the courthouse in Alton. Let him know what you think or when you would be available for another meeting.
