The Hoosier beef industry was not sited as a major growth sector for the state. That has changed. In remarks to the Indiana Beef Cattle Association on Saturday, ISDA Director Andy Miller said recent studies have shown Indiana’s Beef industry is ready for a major growth spurt. Miller said he is bullish about the Hoosier beef industry, “With a change in corn production and a change in ethanol production, do we have an opportunity for the beef industry that we did not see two years ago?” He told IBCA members his department will begin working with their organization to examine the possibilities to increase cattle production and processing in the state.

He told Hoosier Ag Today there are several reasons ISDA feels there is growth potential in Hoosier beef, the first of which is a livestock-friendly state government administration. He also noted that the increase in ethanol production will lead to an increase in DDG production which will provide an abundant and affordable feed supply for cattle. The key, however, is on the processing side. Miller indicated that several companies have and are currently expressing interest in locating a processing plant in Indiana. He promised that the administration would be willing to provide economic development incentives to such an operation. Miller stressed, however, that growth and expansion of the Indiana cattle industry could take place even if a packing plant did not locate in the state.

Source: Hoosier Ag Today