Burnsville-based Valley Natural Foods announced it will open Valley Natural Meats Inc., a $2 million wholesale meat processing plant in Northfield, Minn. Valley Natural Foods acquired 16 acres of land, including a building that will be retrofitted to meet the growing demand of livestock producers and serve the needs of family farms in 10 Southern Minnesota counties.
Valley Natural Meats, a subsidiary of Valley Natural Foods, will feature a 4,400-square-foot MDA- and organic-certified meat processing plant and 4,000-square-foot holding barn. The plant also will manufacture specialty and smoked and cured meats, jerky, hams and sausages for wholesale and retail customers. The company holds a permit to later add two 30×70-foot, hoop-type buildings for growing plants, herbs and flowers.