A recent report from the Regional Economic Development Institute at Colorado State University has shed light on the positive economic impact of a lamb processing plant owned by Superior Farms in Denver. The report emphasizes the crucial role that this facility plays in supporting both local and national economies.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Founded in 1964, Superior Farms has grown into the largest lamb processor in the United States. This 100-percent employee-owned facility employs over 170 people within Denver and supports thousands of related jobs across the state. The closure of the processing plant would directly eliminate these jobs, leading to a significant loss of livelihood for many families. Moreover, the plant generates over $800 million in economic activity, underscoring its pivotal role in stimulating the local and national economy.
Supporting Local Agriculture
The plant is integral to the U.S. lamb supply chain, processing 15 to 20 percent of the country’s lamb harvest capacity. Shutting down this facility would not only strain the existing processing infrastructure but also severely impact lamb producers in the Mountain West region. These producers would face limited options for marketing their harvest-ready lambs, exacerbating the challenges within an already overburdened meat processing sector.
Bonnie Brown, Executive Director of the Colorado Wool Growers Association, emphasizes, “The CSU study underscores how the Denver ballot measure ban is unfair, ineffective and simply the wrong approach. Eliminating a local food source not only eliminates over $800 million in economic activity, it also hurts the environment by forcing restaurants and grocery stores to import lamb products from overseas while unnecessarily driving up food costs for consumers.”
Environmental Considerations
Maintaining local processing facilities is crucial for environmental sustainability. If the plant were to close, restaurants and grocery stores would need to import lamb products from overseas, increasing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. This shift would negate any perceived animal welfare benefits and result in higher food costs for consumers. By supporting local processing, we can reduce environmental impact and directly promote a more sustainable food system.
Community and Cultural Significance
The Denver-based plant is more than just a processing facility; it is a significant part of the area’s community and culture. Employee-owned and locally operated, the plant represents a successful model of community-based business that contributes to local identity and pride. Preserving such institutions helps maintain the cultural fabric of the region and supports community cohesion.
Zach Riley of the Colorado Livestock Association points out, “Banning a single Denver business won’t improve animal welfare in Colorado. But it will eliminate hundreds of jobs. This study shows that the ban not only eliminates 170 jobs at the employee-owned plant in Denver, but it also threatens thousands of other related jobs across the state.”
Financial Implications for Taxpayers
The report also highlights the financial burden that taxpayers would face if the measure passes. Shutting down the plant could cost taxpayers $70 million or more in compensation to the facility for taking its property. This financial strain could be better allocated towards improving and modernizing existing facilities to enhance animal welfare standards without jeopardizing economic stability.
Conclusion
The proposed closure of the lamb processing plant in Denver poses significant economic risks that extend far beyond the immediate loss of jobs. The facility plays a vital role in supporting local agriculture, maintaining environmental sustainability, and contributing to the community’s cultural and economic fabric.
Superior Farms stands as a cornerstone of economic stability in Denver and beyond. By recognizing and supporting its contributions, we can ensure a more stable, sustainable, and prosperous future for the local community and the broader agricultural sector. The economic and social benefits of keeping the plant operational far outweigh the perceived gains of its closure, making it imperative to consider more balanced and constructive approaches to achieving our goals.