Local Distribution Networks

Crowded conditions within a beef cattle feedlot

Historically, cheap energy and water coupled with the availability of agricultural subsidies have played a significant role in how industrial agriculture has attempted to manage certain costs associated with the application of industrial production methods. In recent years, forces such as global warming, pollution controls, carbon taxes, water shortages, higher energy costs and changing federal budget programs have created what can be called a “perfect storm” for industrial animal agriculture. The industrial agriculture complex has done a poor job of both anticipating these problems and attempting to find solutions that either remove them or work around them. Industrial agriculture will continue to face this unfortunate reality as long as it continues to wed its survival to cheap energy. Rebuilding a processing and marketing structure that serves conventional farms offers an opportunity to return to conventional operations that consume less energy and stand a solid chance of competing successfully against industrial operations in both price and quality.

Resources

International Farm Transition Network

Provides support programs that foster the next generation of farmers and ranchers. This site provides links to publications, seminars and network participants who believe the nation’s agriculture depends on the ability of a new generation to enter farming.

NEAC – Mobile Meat Processing Project

A project sponsored by the Nebraska Environmental Action Coalition that looks at ways to provide and strengthen the infrastructure needed to allow local farmers to market USDA certified meat to local consumers.

Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network

A resource for very small to mid-sized meat processors covering topics around business development, workforce management, plant design, and construction as well as mobile slaughter and processing units.

Farm Aid

Farm Aid offers grant opportunities to farm and rural service organizations. This organization provides resources that help farmers make transitions to more sustainable and profitable farming practices, and build connections between farmers and consumers.