USDA Hosts Web Seminars on Mobile Slaughter Units

by Katherine Gustafson · 2010-01-15 06:00:00 UTC
Topics: show more

I know chatting about slaughtering animals might not be everybody's cup of tea, but considering the revolutionary potential of mobile slaughter units, I feel an obligation to point out to whoever's interested that the USDA will be hosting two Web outreach seminars on these innovative units next week.

Mobile slaughterhouses are trucks that can roam from farm to farm providing slaughter services that would otherwise be inconvenient and expensive, sometimes prohibitively so. The issue is that slaughter facilities must be inspected and approved by the Federal Inspections Program of the USDA, and approval is too difficult and expensive for small-scale operations to acquire, forcing them to drive their livestock to large central facilities.

These new roving units, according to an FDA email release, "provide a feasible option for small livestock producers wanting to provide safe, wholesome meat product to local and interstate consumer markets." [Ed. note: The reference to "meat product" reveals that the government still has a long way to go in the knowing-your-food arena.]

The seminars, to take place on Wednesday, January 20 (red meat) and Thursday, January 21 (poultry), are part of the "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative aimed at boosting economic opportunities for small farmers and more effectively connecting consumers with local food resources.

The events will feature industry and USDA representatives discussing inspection issues for mobile units and providing information on USDA Rural Development loan and grant programs. Visitors are invited to join the sessions directly using the following links:

Red Meat Mobile Slaughter Unit Seminar

Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET - 3:00 p.m. ET
Direct Link: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PW2909889&p=MOBILE%20SLAUG&t=c
Audio Call-In: 1-888-889-5016
Passcode: Mobile Slaughter

Poultry Mobile Slaughter Unit Seminar

Thursday, January 21, 2010
Time:  1:30 p.m. ET - 3:00 p.m. ET
Direct Link: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PW2909908&p=MOBILE%20SLAUG&t=c
Audio Call-In: 1-888-889-5016
Passcode: Mobile Slaughter

Photo: stock.xchng

Katherine Gustafson is a freelance writer and editor with a background in international nonprofit organizations.
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