Livestock Co-op opens USDA plant

Cattle Producers of Washington Livestock Processors Cooperative Association with a current membership of 80, processed its first livestock Aug. 22, according to a press announcement.

The LPCA provides only the service of USDA harvest and processing, never owning the meat products. The USDA-inspected plant was formed by producers to be owned and controlled by producers. Member benefits include receiving a discount over non-members in the fee scheduling livestock.

“The LPCA plant will put more income back into their ranching operations and keep the next generation on the ranch,” President Willard Wolf from Valleyford said.

The LPCA plant is located just south of Odessa in the industrial park with easy access for large trucks and trailers.

The multi-species plant processes cattle, hogs, sheep and goats and has the capacity to harvest 40 head of cattle, or the equivalent in smaller animals, per day.

Out of the LPCA’s efforts, another company, Empire Ranches, was formed.

“We are offering marketing services for ranchers’ products to the Spokane and surrounding areas for LPCA members,” David Pendergraft, president, said.

The LPCA and Empire Ranches want to bring locally bred, born and raised meat products directly to the local area consumers.

“This plant offers the producers the opportunity for another option for processing, marketing their meat products or using a meat broker all to retain more income for the producer,” said treasurer Wade King of Coulee City.

The LPCA hopes livestock producers will take advantage of their services and join the co-op.