Program Overview
To ensure food security for South Carolina the Increased Processing Capacity and Efficiency (IPCE) for Beef initiative will address supply chain vulnerabilities identified by meat shortages during 2020 and help assist future disruptions amongst the food supply chain. Many South Carolina-grown products are harvested in state and then transported out of state for processing/packaging, which results in a significant amount of lost revenue, capital investment, and jobs.This program will support the South Carolina livestock industry by increasing efficiency and capacity of beef processing and further processing facilities.
Project categories can include, but are not limited to:
- Equipment and Infrastructure (including facility expansion) capacity enhancement
- Workforce Development – Program Development and/or Training
- Proposals must be for processing facilities. Growing operations are not eligible to apply. Proposals should focus on stimulating the economy by increasing the capacity and efficiency of SC meat processing facilities.
Program Application The application period for this grant has closed.
Reimbursement Process
Qualified applications were reviewed and approved by a panel of five which was chaired by the Commissioner of Agriculture, with representatives from the SC Dept. of Commerce, SC Dept. of Revenue, Clemson University and Palmetto Agribusiness Council. All awarded grants were made to county governments in the form of a pass-through reimbursement grant. Under this type of grant the county where the project is located acts as the Grant Applicant and processor as the Grant Recipient. Selected Grant Recipients shall provide matching funds for the grant in the amount of one dollar ($1.00) from non-grant sources for every two dollars ($2.00) provided by the grant. Grant Recipients must spend funds up front and then request reimbursement from the Grant Applicant. All invoices received for purchases approved by an IPCE grant will be reimbursed at 2:1 up to the total grant amount. Any changes to deliverables must be pre-approved. No reimbursements will be made without proper documentation and review by the SCDA.
Estimated Increase in Head of Cattle Per Year
4,700
Estimated Economic Impact
Estimated economic impact of $3,500 per head, the expansions will keep approximately $16,450,000 of economic activity in South Carolina.
Awarded Projects
Hemingway Locker Plant, LLC
Williamsburg County
Hemingway Locker Plant has been in business for over 70 years. The operation was recently rebuilt after a fire caused a total loss. 2022 began their first year processing cattle, which proved to be a success. With grant funds, Hemingway Locker Plant plans to purchase bandsaw equipment to increase efficiency and productivity.
Estimated Increased Head of Cattle Per Year: 400
Estimated Jobs Creation: 1
Grant Award: $12,481.81
Neverdun Farms, LLC
Sumter County
In 2013, Neverdun Farms was established as a commercial cattle operation. To vertically integrate their business, they built a custom exempt processing facility devoted solely to beef. Grant funds will be used to expand processing space and purchase packaging and labeling equipment.
Estimated Increased Head of Cattle Per Year: 250
Estimated Jobs Creation: 1
Grant Award: $74,290.19
PF Meats Company, Inc
Anderson County
PF Meat Co. is a custom slaughter/ butcher/ processor founded in October 2021 to serve the local beef producers of South Carolina. Grant funds will be used to expand cooler capacity, purchase packaging and processing equipment, and upgrade disposal capacity.
Estimated Increased Head of Cattle Per Year: 1,500
Estimated Jobs Creation: 6
Grant Award: $465,666.00
Knockout Butchery, LLC
Spartanburg County
Knockout Butchery plans to build a new beef processing facility that will be USDA inspected. The Howards have an existing facility in Pauline, SC and saw an increase in demand for local beef processing during COVID-19.
Estimated Increased Head of Cattle Per Year: 750
Estimated Jobs Creation: 8
Grant Award: $600,000.00
Back 40 Butchery, LLC
Greenwood County
Back 40 Butchery was founded in 2020. This processing facility serves the needs of farmers in the region with USDA custom processing of pork and beef. With these grant funds, Back 40 Butchery plans to upgrade their rail system and freezers, as well as purchase grinding and packing machinery.
Estimated Increased Head of Cattle Per Year: 100
Estimated Jobs Creation: 2
Grant Award: $136,350.00
Cordray’s Processing
Dorchester County
Cordray’s Processing is a small processing and slaughter plant that provides fee-based processing services to livestock producers and wild game hunters. With this grant, Cordray’s Processing intends to increase capacity through cooling upgrades, cutting room expansion, and the purchase of grinding and sealing equipment.
Estimated Increased Head of Cattle Per Year: 100
Grant Award: $182,300.00
Mungo’s Deer Processing, LLC
Lancaster County
Mungo’s Deer Processing, LLC has been in business since 1991. In 2022, they saw a need for beef processing in the area and began processing cattle for local farmers and ranchers. Using grant funds, Mungo’s plans to upgrade freezer space and purchase processing equipment.
Estimated Increased Head of Cattle Per Year: 700
Estimated Jobs Creation: 3
Grant Award: $301,000.00
Peach Orchard Processing, LLC
Sumter County
Peach Orchard Deer Processing, LLC was started in 2000 and has grown over the years to include a variety of animal processing. With this funding, they plan to upgrade their facility for increased capacity and purchase processing and labeling equipment.
Estimated Increased Head of Cattle Per Year: 500
Estimated Jobs Creation: 3
Grant Award: $331,000.00
Buck N’ Ears Processing, LLC
Georgetown County
Buck N’ Ears started in 2020 and expanded beyond deer processing in 2022. Grant funding will be used to upgrade pen capacity, freezer capacity, and hanging rail system.
Estimated Increased Head of Cattle Per Year: 400
Estimated Jobs Creation: 1
Grant Award: $185,500.00
Total Grant Award: $2,288,588.00
