PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has announced a framework for up to $5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to help South Dakota meat processors expand. The grants are available to meat processors with 60 employees or less that meet one of three criteria. They must be state inspected equal to slaughter and or processing plants, must be licensed custom-exempt slaughter plants or very small federally inspected plants. Brock Aspelin of Brocks Butcher Block in Onida says he’s in the process of applying.

He says one of the major challenges faced by smaller meat processors is getting enough workers to help fill the jobs. Aspelin also says the application requirements are fairly simple.

Aspelin says the funding is needed by smaller meat processors as demand for locally sourced meat has grown since the pandemic began.

Applications are due on May 1, 2021 with the awards to be announced on May 25, 2021.