Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Great Falls Slaughterhouse Could Boost The State's Cattle Industry, Ranchers Say

Cattle.
(PD)

A group opposed to a proposed large livestock processing facility in Great Falls is hosting a public meetingabout it this weekend.

Some ranchers in state say the slaughterhouse would add jobs and save them the expense of shipping their cattle out of state.

The Great Falls Area Concerned Citizens group is hosting a pair of academic speakers at 6 Saturday night in the town Civic Center to rally opposition to the proposed 3,000 acre food processing facility.

But Andy Kellom, a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, says facility like that would add value to the state’s cattle industry by keeping by keeping animal processing in-state.

Kellom manages about 10,000 head of cattle for a ranch in Hobson.

"The cattle industry is the largest agricultural unit in the state of Montana. It would be a great incentive to the cattle business to have a plant available," he says.

Kellom says he understands that some people might have concerns about a giant processing plant near Great Falls, but he says slaughterhouses have improved to become more environmentally friendly. 

Friesen Foods, the Canadian-based company proposing the plant, says they have designed it to minimize environmental and community impact. Opposition group leaders don’t believe  that, and say the waste generated by the slaughterhouse will harm their property values and living conditions.

Corin Cates-Carney manages MTPR’s daily and long-term news projects. After spending more than five years living and reporting across Western and Central Montana, he became news director in early 2020.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content