South Dakota Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds along with several co-sponsors have reintroduced the Strengthening Local Processing Act. The bill provides federal support for America’s small meat and poultry processors. Brock Aspelin of Brock’s Butcher Block in Onida, South Dakota is encouraged by the measure and says that demand for meat grew a lot since the pandemic hit.

The legislation would allow more inspector approved meat products to be sold across state lines and Aspelin says that’s another beneficial provision of the bill.

He says there is a need for more workers in the small meat processing industry.

The Strengthening Local Processing Act also will funnel federal dollars towards training and for technical assistance grants. Aspelin says that’s welcome.

There are a total of 11 co-sponsors of the legislation.