Howard County, MD – A newly completed feasibility study has identified Howard County as an optimal location for a USDA Certified Meat Processing Center. This facility would serve the broader Central Maryland region, including Montgomery, Frederick, and Carroll Counties.
The study highlights the growing demand for locally sourced and sustainably produced meats, which aligns with national consumer trends emphasizing freshness, quality, and trust in local producers.
“This facility will be a game-changer for local farmers who currently face logistical challenges and high costs by transporting livestock to processing centers located hours away,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “I look forward to working with our agricultural and economic development partners to develop a strategy to push this project forward.”
The establishment of a proposed Regional Agricultural Center would not only provide USDA-inspected slaughter and meat processing services but will also offer value-added services such as smoking, charcuterie production, and cold storage rental.
“The ability to raise and process our products right here in Howard County is immense and creates a win-win for both the farmer and consumer, as well as Howard County’s economy, said Leslie Bauer, President of the Howard County Farm Bureau and owner of Rural Rhythm Farm in Dayton. “There is still a long way to go, but the recommendations of this Feasibility Study are the first step in the process.”
“A new meat processing facility centrally located in Maryland would save us time, tolls, and money, and allow us to grow our operations,” said James Zoller, Howard County Agriculture Administrator and operator of Valley Haven Farm, highlighting the potential impact the facility could have on local farming operations.
With this new center, farmers could process livestock locally, saving time and reducing costs while increasing the availability of fresh, local meats in regional markets. The facility would enhance economic sustainability for local farmers, improve the food supply chain, and support agricultural growth in the region.
Nora Vese, Manager at Clark’s Elioak Farm, echoed this sentiment, explaining, “We used to process a lot more, we have slowed down a ton! It makes taking animals to the processor a whole day’s worth of work, when you could’ve also spent that entire day working on the farm. We might be able to increase production again, knowing there are options.”
The proposed center would create much-needed jobs, offer butchery and meat processing apprenticeship programs, and expand market opportunities for small and medium-sized farms. The larger of the two proposed options would also include a commercial kitchen, retail space, and educational programming, further supporting the local economy.
“The economic impact of this facility will be substantial,” said Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “Not only will it support our local farmers by reducing costs and logistical burdens, but a processing center would also be an asset to the entire region, helping strengthen the agricultural sector and contributing to the long-term sustainability of our local economies.”
The feasibility study was conducted by Cultivate + Craft, a consulting firm specializing in enhancing profitability for farms and small businesses through value-added agriculture, agritourism, and craft alcohol manufacturing. It was commissioned by the Howard County Economic Development Authority.
For more information about the feasibility study and the proposed USDA Certified Meat Processing Center, please contact Kathy Johnson at the Howard County Economic Development Authority, kljohnson@hceda.org.
About Howard County Economic Development Authority
The Howard County Economic Development Authority is a public-private partnership whose primary goal is to promote economic growth and stability in Howard County by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and attracting corporate/regional headquarters.
