By Marlee Jackson

With 23,000 square feet of floor space that includes a state-of-the-art harvesting facility and retail storefront, a new beef processor is open for business in Atmore.

Perdido River Meats spells good news for the state’s farmers, said Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Rick Pate.

“Facilities like this are going to pay dividends,” Pate said to hundreds of guests who gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 6. “We are all in with you. We’re so thrilled to have this here.”

Located just off I-65, Perdido River Meats is a division of Perdido River Farms, the agricultural arm of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

The plant can currently process around 50 head of beef cattle a week, sourced from Perdido River Farms and other local farmers. Custom processing is available, as are individual cuts in the retail storefront.

The facility plans to increase capacity while expanding into hog harvest, said Perdido River Farms Director John English. All products are inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The facility was a dream years in the making, said English. Plans began more than six years ago.

“This grand opening marks a significant milestone for Perdido River Farms and the community,” English said. “We are proud to expand our operations and look forward to sharing our passion for quality, locally sourced meats with our neighbors and community.”

The plant capitalizes on the pasture-to-plate movement that gained traction during COVID-19-related supply chain problems, Pate said.

“The opening of this new processing facility will not only help address food supply chain issues,” said Pate, “but also greatly benefit Alabama cattle producers, who have expressed the need for additional processing facilities in this area.”

The Perdido River Meats store is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., plus Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.