Better for Butchery: USDA Strengthens Local Meat Processing Capacity with Kentucky Facility Acquisition

USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.

PRINCETON, Ky. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working to expand domestic meat processing capacity, supporting local operations and strengthening the food supply chain.

Travis Burton, USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to provide an overview of the facility and the benefits it brings to agriculture across the region. Burton also discussed how the acquisition was financed through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program backed by the USDA.

Burton highlighted why this effort was important for USDA and spoke to the broader significance of strengthening local meat processing for rural communities and the overall food supply chain.

As part of that work, USDA recently supported Better For Butchery (formerly Porter Road Meats) in acquiring a facility in Kentucky. The site will operate as a scalable co-packing and processing hub.

On Thursday, we were joined on Market Day Report by Better For Butchery CEO Christopher Roach, who provided an overview of the facility and discussed the benefits it brings to agriculture across the region.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Roach explained how the acquisition was financed through the Meat and USDA’s Poultry Lending Program. He also highlighted that the acquisition marks a turning point for Better For Butchery, as well as the new facility’s potential to strengthen local meat processing and support rural communities and the food supply chain.

Related Stories
County Commissioner Jeff Justesen discusses how the community found a new home for its 4-H and FFA livestock shows.
Geoff Cooper says the EPA action could provide more options for refiners and blenders.
Sponsored
Doug Scott of Redeem Your Ground shows how creating a backyard plan that works for your family doesn’t begin with plants, patios, or Pinterest boards. It begins with your life.
Noah Wiley discusses his path from growing up on the farm to becoming a national FFA finalist.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy Jointly Unveil New Investments to Bring More Nutrient-Dense, Local Food into Schools and Give Cafeterias the Tools to Serve Healthier Meals
The latest episode of Dirt Diaries, featuring Jessica Shae Craven, drops Tuesday on all podcast platforms.
Huma’s Fred Nichols explains what humates are, where they come from, and how farmers can incorporate them into their soil health programs.
Additional 50 percent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods are now in effect as Canada vows retaliation and ag groups urge trade negotiations to continue.
Changes in rail rates and expanded crush capacity could reshape soybean basis and marketing opportunities across producing regions.
With the Aug. 31 deadline approaching, Farm CPA Paul Neiffer encouraged farmers not to wait until the final days to address any questions or discrepancies with their records.