| The number of small commodity livestock slaughter plants in the Upper Northern Plains region continues to decline. Significant factors contributing to this decline include: 1) pressure to consolidate, thereby capturing economies of scale; 2) relatively stringent federal inspection specifications, along with; 3) HACCP (Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Points) requirements. At the same time, consumer demand (markets) for specialty, selected, and exotic meats appears to be growing. For example, the recent market successes in Europe evidenced by the North American Bison Cooperative based in New Rockford, North Dakota. Several alternative livestock producer groups have emerged which include lamb, ratite, elk, deer, goat, poultry, rabbit, specialty beef,... |
