Couple’s Dream of USDA Slaughterhouse in Washtenaw County Comes True
Damian Rivera and Rosemary Linares, a husband-and-wife team from Scio Township, are on the path to fulfilling a long-held dream.
The couple behind Damian’s Craft Meats has dedicated years to bringing a USDA-inspected meat processing facility to Washtenaw County—the first of its kind in the region.
Their hard work, fueled by a passion for creating a sustainable and humane local food system, is paying off as they move closer to realizing this ambitious project.
Addressing a Long-Standing Need for Local Farmers
The absence of a local USDA-inspected facility has been a challenge for livestock farmers in Washtenaw County. Many farmers have had to travel more than 50 miles to process their livestock.
In some cases, they make additional trips to separate facilities for custom packaging. These long drives, along with wait times behind larger livestock producers with preferred scheduling, have made it difficult for smaller local farmers to compete.
Damian’s Craft Meats aims to change this by providing a closer, more accessible processing option for the community.
Commitment to Traceability and Transparency
A key feature of Damian’s Craft Meats is the couple’s dedication to full traceability of their meats. This means every piece of meat, from farm to plate, will be tracked with transparency.
Larger industrial processors often come to meats from different sources, making it hard for consumers to know their food’s origin.
Linares emphasized the importance of consumer trust, stating their operation will ensure that “meat lived with integrity and died with integrity.”
Expanding Services to Local Retailers and Institutions
In addition to serving local farmers, the facility will be equipped to process meats for sale to retailers, including grocery stores, restaurants, and institutions like schools and hospitals.
With a focus on local sourcing and humane practices, Damian’s Craft Meats is poised to support a regional food system that values sustainability and ethical animal treatment.
The Personal Background Driving Their Mission
The couple’s backgrounds have significantly shaped their journey. Rivera, originally from Mexico, rekindled his passion for butchering after over a decade in manufacturing.
His respect for the art of butchery and dedication to learning the best techniques have played a crucial role in their venture.
Linares, whose family has a history in USDA-inspected meat processing, grew up visiting slaughterhouses and developed a strong interest in the process. Her expertise in nonprofit work has allowed her to secure essential grants, bringing valuable skills to their venture.
Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Workplace
Rivera and Linares plan to make their facility an equitable and inclusive workplace, especially for Latinx workers in agriculture. They aim to create a bilingual environment and explore profit-sharing models, ensuring their team feels valued and respected.
Rivera believes that when employees can be themselves in a neutral environment, they are more mindful of their work and animal welfare. This creates a positive cycle of care and respect within the facility.
Overcoming Financial Challenges to Build Their Dream
The couple’s journey to securing their dream has not been without challenges. Despite substantial grant funding, they are still working to raise additional funds to build the facility.
They continue to explore financing options, including investors, further grants, and even crowdfunding. Despite these hurdles, their determination and commitment to building something meaningful for their community have kept them moving forward.
Looking Ahead: A Lasting Legacy for the Local Food System
With groundbreaking expected next year, Damian’s Craft Meats is on track to become a vital part of Washtenaw County’s food infrastructure.
The USDA’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program, which provided substantial financial support, aims to increase capacity for independent meat processors like Damian’s Craft Meats, helping rural communities thrive.
As the facility takes shape, Rivera and Linares are excited about the future—not only for their business but for the impact it will have on the local food system. Their vision is to create a lasting legacy that honors the land, the animals, and the farmers who make it all possible.
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