Local meat processors might have expanded more during the past two years, but for one major challenge: experienced meat cutters are hard to come by. The struggle to find experienced help persists, said Shane Flowers of Ranch House Meats in Billings.

“There are going to be some challenges to be honest with you, because labor is still an issue. I think that’s where the biggest problems are,” Flower said. “It’s been one of our biggest challenges, getting enough guys even to get the job done.”