Excerpt: There used to be a thriving horse market in this country, with buyers bidding on horses for processing plants in Stanwood; Maytown, Thurston County; and more than 20 other plants across the country, supplying an eager trade, particularly in Europe.
But the country's remaining three horse slaughterhouses, in Illinois and Texas, closed in 2007 after a sustained campaign by animal-rights activists that resulted in Congress forbidding USDA inspection of horse meat for human consumption. That ended any legal commercial packing industry for horse meat in this country.
Still, there is a demand for horse meat, particularly in Europe. But with no packer competition in the U.S. to supply it, and a glut of horses, foreign packers can set their price.
Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009164786_horse03m.html
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Excerpt: Before the arrival of the mobile slaughter house, many animals would be transported over long distances to meat processing facilities at centralized locations for slaughter, cutting and wrapping. “It’s beyond humane,” said Elizabeth Poett, CAAC president and Santa Barbara County rancher. “There is no stress for the animal because it never leaves the ranch.” Stressed livestock can produce adrenaline which can reduce meat quality and taste.
Source: http://www.meatprocess.com/Products/Mobile-slaughter-unit-said-to-boost-meat-quality
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Excerpt: For Montanans who want to sell or eat locally raised meat, the lack of food processing facilities presents a formidable barrier. Despite a huge cattle industry, almost all the cattle born in Montana get shipped out of state on the hoof as the state’s few remaining slaughter facilities can only process a few dozen cattle per week.
Advocates like Hubbard argue additional food processing would help the state capture more of that money. Expanded processing capacity will create jobs, open new opportunities food product entrepreneurs, provide farmers and ranchers value-added possibilities for their crops and generate tax revenue for communities.
Source: http://www.newwest.net/city/article/the_process_of_rebuilding_a_local_food_economy/C8/L8/
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