Oklahomans Share Mixed Reactions To President Biden's Meat Plan

President Biden is using $1 billion of CARES Act COVID-19 money to encourage new meat processors to open, in order to create more competition in the meat industry.

The president said prices are high because a few large meat companies control the whole market, which he thinks needs to change.

Ranchers said the plan is a start. However, opening new processing facilities won't do anything to help with the current worker shortage.

President Biden said $1 billion will help smaller meat processors get a piece of the pie, which he hopes will create more competition and drive down prices.

The plan would invest $375 million in independent meat processing projects, $275 million for loans and finances, and $100 million to train workers.

Michael Kelsey with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's association said he has some concerns.

"There's optimism and excitement, but also caution and concern," said Kelsey, "It takes time for this to happen, you don't build these overnight."

Jake Miller is the farm manager at Outwest Farms in Cleveland. The farm raises different types of livestock and has the meat processed. Miller then delivers it door to door to people all over Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

"Try to get a better labor pool or expand the facilities already there," said Miller.

Miller said the president's plan doesn't address the biggest concern of the current worker shortage and said it's going to be hard to find workers to staff the new processing facilities.

"The problem is, he wants to take the money and put it into brand new plants," said Miller.

Kelsey said the other concern is with overregulation. He hopes people realize how important local ranchers are to the economy.

"If a producer can partner with a consumer and sell their product directly, there is all sorts of good about that," he said.

The White house said 4 large companies control 85-percent of the beef market.

Ranchers can begin applying for loans and help online.

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