Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point) yesterday presented a bill that would provide an appropriation of $2 million to two-year colleges in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system for meat cutting and butchery programs.  

There is currently a processing shortage in the livestock industry, as well as a shortage of workforce to meet demands in the retail markets. These problems were further exacerbated in by COVID-19. Currently, there are only seven training programs in North America, none of which are in Minnesota. 

“This bill presents an exciting opportunity for growth in the industry and for Central Lakes College,” said Sen. Ruud. “In this line of work, training for students coming out of high school is extremely important, and not everyone wants to go to a four-year college. This funding helps open up this new program so we can train students and keep these bright entrepreneurs in our State.” 

This issue is a top concern for family farmers and those is the agriculture industry. If this bill passes it will address the following issues:

• Processing shortages experienced by livestock producers
• Workforce shortages facing processors
• Inclusion of slaughter in the workforce training program

“This is an exciting tripartisan bill that provides a new opportunity to our colleges, students, and anyone looking for a new line of work,” finished Sen. Ruud.

Senate File 2196 was laid over in the Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Finance and Policy Committee.