Are you interested in rolling up your sleeves to look at opportunities and challenges in meat production, processing, and distribution in the northwest region of Illinois? Join University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Jay Solomon along with UW Extension Supply Chain Specialist, Sarah Llyod for an interactive workshop “Building Robust Meat Supply Chains in the Driftless Region”.  This in person event will take place on Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Elizabeth Community Building, HWY 20 W. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There is no cost to attend this meeting, but pre-registration is requested. To register or for more information call our office at 815-858-2273 or visit us online at go.illinois.edu/jsw.

U of I Extension is collaborating with the University of Wisconsin Grassland 2.0 project to explore opportunities to improve our already active local meat supply chain. The long-term goal will be improving the access and financial returns for everyone involved in the farm to table processes, starting with a discussion about the resources and needs in Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Carroll, and surrounding counties. 

“In Northwest Illinois, we have an active local meat supply chain,” Solomon shared.  “But those in the system recognize there are bottlenecks and flow issues. Opening an active dialog with all the participants is a way to work toward overcoming these and expand the system for everyone’s benefit.”

The University of Wisconsin Grassland 2.0 project has been working the Driftless region to look at what we can do together to alleviate meat processing and distribution bottlenecks to expand opportunities for farmers and supply chain partners to connect high quality local products with eaters. This work started in Driftless regions of Wisconsin. This workshop will serve as a starting point for connecting Northwest Illinois interests into the effort. By virtue of location and shared processing resources, NW IL producers are already a part of this regional system.

Plan to join us for roundtable discussion on topics including a scan of the current meat supply and processing landscape, assessment of priority action, and preparing for the next steps.  Register to ensure you have a seat at the table as the important discussion begins.