New Mexico ranchers will soon be able to process their cattle locally through a new processing facility in the Taos, NM, area.
“We have seen the need here in Taos as many ranchers have had to travel out of Taos, more particular to Colorado, in order to get their meats or their animals slaughtered,” Taos County Commissioner Darlene Vigil told local news outlet KRQE.
The goal is to provide ranchers with a permanent facility for meat processing with USDA approval—a crucial prerequisite for commercial-scale sales. While the Taos County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) continues to utilize its mobile unit for on-site slaughter, progress is underway for a permanent meat processing facility near Taos Regional Airport.
Supported by partial funding from the New Mexico Food Security Grant, the TCEDC aims to complete the project in fall 2024, with a total investment exceeding $3 million. Upon completion, the facility will process up to 50 carcasses per week, initially focusing on Taos and nearby ranchers but with plans to extend services statewide.
