Wade Small, executive vice president for business development with Agri Beef, commented, “We evaluated many sites for this venture. With an educated and motivated workforce, access to plentiful agricultural resources and a vibrant community with a can-do spirit, Jerome and Idaho checked the box for everything we were looking for.”
According to a True West Beef press release, the facility will be designed as an “alternative model in the beef processing segment where large facilities have come to dominate the industry. It will be smaller and flexible in scale, and unique in structure, with livestock producers directly involved in equity ownership.”
The processing facility is expected to create at least 370 new jobs and process approximately 500 head per day.
“COVID-19 presented challenges in the meat packing sector as plants struggled with capacity constraints due to the pandemic,” Idaho Gov. Brad Little said. “The United States needs more meat processors of all sizes, and Idaho is thrilled to welcome expanded and first-class processing capacity to address this critical infrastructure need. This plant adds tremendous value to our high-quality Idaho beef and supports family ranches, dairies and farms.”
Tom Kealey, Idaho’s director of commerce, added, “This is exactly the type of robust investment that can help us build on the strengths of Idaho’s already diverse economy. We greatly appreciate the confidence True West Beef is demonstrating in Idaho and the future.”
“When forage, grain and other allied industries are calculated in, the livestock sector accounts for 75% of Idaho agriculture’s gross receipts. An investment made in the livestock sector ripples through Idaho’s entire agricultural industry and to communities across the state,” noted Celia Gould, director of Idaho’s Department of Agriculture.
“As a cattleman, business investor and Jerome 20/20 board member, I feel that this is the best thing that has ever happened for Jerome,” added Arlen Crouch.
Agri Beef acquired and has operated the Washington Beef processing plant in Toppenish, Washington, since 2003. It also operates Snake River Cattle Feeders in American Falls, Idaho, and a bull development center for genetics in Caldwell. As a company already focused on satisfying the growing consumer expectations for high-quality, healthy and sustainably raised beef, the Jerome plant will continue in this mission for Agri Beef and its partners.
“True West Beef will be a great neighbor, community-involved and environmentally friendly. We want Jerome to be proud,” added Jay Theiler, executive vice president for strategy and public relations at Agri Beef. 
—From news releases and Progressive Cattle staff reports
