our values and future Services
WHERE WE ARE NOW
As of January 2024, we are 36 members strong with loan funds secured to acquire the current Vandevanters facility. We are in the final stages of acquisition with the buy-sell agreement submitted and awaiting approval from USDA which we expect in mid-March 2024.
We have put forth several applications for state and federal grants with hopes of reducing our total use of the loan in acquiring the facility and beginning improvements/additions. Our preferred stock campaign – open to member and non-members – has also been extended to June 30th, 2024.
The Board continues to meet weekly and collaborates with current Vandevanters staff to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. Scheduling members and non-members for the second half of 2024, July through December, is currently underway.
AS WE MOVE FORWARD
Our goal continues to be providing high quality and consistent slaughter and processing services for area livestock producers and local fairs. We have hired a retired USDA inspector to oversee the transitioning of state inspection and organic certification from Vandevanters to Glacier Processing Co-op and facilitate participation in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program (CIS).
We’ve started a quarterly newsletter for members to increase visibility of the transitioning process and encourage active participation in our cooperative governance. We look forward to our second annual meeting scheduled for Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 from 10AM to 1PM at the Community Room (2510 Hwy 2 E. Kalispell, MT 59901).
GOALS FOR EXPANSION & THE FUTURE
We look to expand organic certification for all types of processing, diversify our value-added product line for direct-to-customer sales, and advance to a full USDA facility within the next two years.
We SUPPORT MONTANA MEAT PROCESSING
Our Values:
Offer local producers consistent, high-quality slaughter, butchering, meat cutting and processing services.
Be a good employer, with good benefits and education.
Ensure sustainability, in all senses of the word, of the cooperative business for generations of ranchers, producers, co-op owners, investors, employees, consumers, and community members to come.
Provide economic opportunities and value for agricultural producer owners, by creating opportunities to grow their business.
Return value to member-owners.
Strengthen the resiliency of the local food system.
Bolster the security of Montana’s agricultural economy through producer-ownership and democratic control at all states of the food supply chain.