In recent years, limited processing capacity has posed a challenge for Montana producers. But one producer-led cooperative in Havre is working to change that.

Montana Premium Processing Cooperative (MPPC) is a USDA-certified, member-owned meat processing facility designed to give producers more reliable access to slaughter and processing space. The plant processes beef, bison, hogs and sheep.

“The beauty of being a member of the co-op is that they are entitled to up to 30% of available hook space,” Jones said. “No one producer can take more than that… it protects the rest of the members from someone dominating all of the spaces.”