Eastern Oklahoma State College was awarded a $600,000 grant from the Oklahoma Agriculture Enhancement and Diversification Board for the renovation and purchase of new equipment at the college’s meat processing facility.
“With these implementations, the processing facility will be able to increase the number of animals being harvested for custom harvest, as well as create an opportunity to harvest our own college beef,” Larriann Livingston, dean of the Eastern Agriculture Division said. “With Eastern beef, our goal is to produce a premium, single-source beef product that can be sold to local schools, nursing homes, community centers and others within the community.”
The facility, which currently employs a full-time instructor/plant manager, would make it possible to hire more people and “give the students a more realistic picture of the industry.” Additionally, the grant will give the students an understanding of the new technology and equipment.
