West Virginia Success Story

Monroe County Vocational School Meat Processing Facility

Program: Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D)

Overview: In 2003, the WV Department of Agriculture mandated that all counties having Ham and Bacon Youth Livestock projects and sales must have a controlled environment facility, equipped with a cooler, drying area, and meat smoking area to process hams and bacons; thus achieving a healthier and safer product for the consumer.

Mountain Resource Conservation & Development Council has been assisting the Meat Processing Facility at the Monroe County Vocational School. This facility has been in the process of planning and building since January of 2003. This meat processing facility that will serve several functions to the citizens and students of Monroe County.

Accomplishments: Presently the 2,100 sq. ft. building is completed along with the plumbing and electricity service installed. The carcass cooler, curing room, and drying room will be completed early this summer. The project is experiencing an overrun of approximately $30,000.00, due to the need for customized facility features. The facility is expected to be operational by October 1st of this year. Once completed the facility has an estimated price tag of $225,000.00.

Program Benefits to Community: This program is very important to the youth in Monroe County. Annually approximately 50 students participate from both 4-H and FFA. During 2005 the Greenbrier/Monroe Ham, Bacon and Egg Show had sales topped $60,000.00 which directly benefit those students involved in the programs. Often, these monies are used to help students pay for continuing education. In addition to the 4-H and FFA Ham and Bacon Projects, students will begin utilizing the facility as a classroom throughout the school year. Students will be instructed in the actual cutting, and processing of meats along with the business of retail sales.

Another aspect of the facility is the processing and marketing of locally grown products. Currently, a marketing group has been formed within the county to develop markets for locally grown, beef, pork, lamb, and chevon. This group is planning to work closely with the vocational school in the processing and marketing of these agricultural products.

Contact:
Paul Lovett, Monroe Vocational Director
304-753-9971

Brian Wickline, Monroe Co. Extension Agent
304-772-3003

Michael Gasper, Mountain RC&D Coordinator
304-469-9738
Mike.Gasper@wv.usda.gov

Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Office
226 Maple Avenue
Oak Hill, WV 25901
Phone (304) 469-9738 Fax (304) 469-3718
http://www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/mountain_rcd.html

Presently the 2,100 sq. ft. building is completed along with the plumbing and electricity service installed.

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