Vermont State University to launch a meat processing facility [Video]

Vermont State University is hoping to fill a much-needed void in the agricultural community with plans to build a state-of-the-art meat processing facility on the Randolph campus.The Center for Agriculture and Food Entrepreneurship’s new initiative aims to bolster educational opportunities and meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the meat industry.The new facility, named “1787 Butchery,” will introduce an associate degree program focused on meat-cutting skills. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and hands-on experience they need.VTSU held a “rib-eye-cutting” ceremony on Monday to celebrate the groundbreaking.Demetris Reed, Meat Facility Director at VTSU, emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering local talent. “We are really invested in Vermont community students to become businesspeople in agriculture,” Reed said.Glen Evans, Executive Director of the Center for Agriculture and Food Entrepreneurship, stated that this initiative comes in response to a pressing need for skilled butchers in New England. “What …