Plans for a substantial beef processing plant in eastern Missouri are progressing, with the facility set to commence cattle contracting later this year and an official launch expected in January 2025, as reported. According to American Foods Group President Steve Van Lannen, the $800-million America’s Heartland Packing plant, situated on 19 acres in Warren County, Mo., aims to procure cows, bulls, and fed cattle from an area within a 500-mile radius of the complex, which started construction in late 2022. The Green Bay, Wis.-based American Foods Group anticipates processing 800 to 1,200 head of cattle per day in the initial months of operation. Livestock producers will have the option to market their cattle through regional auctions, direct sales, or an on-site buying station. The produced beef is slated for sale to U.S. foodservice outlets, retail chains, and export customers in 38 countries. American Foods Group has meat processing operations in five U.S. states.
