CONSUMER

Idea for new beef processing plant in Nephi began during covid meat shortages

Nov 6, 2024, 6:41 PM | Updated: 7:00 pm

NEPHI — There sure are a lot of cows in Utah. Farms with rich agricultural histories are located throughout the state.

However, there is one part of that history many ranchers hope will never happen again.

“Without being able to process animals, it was just backed up all over the state,” said Korey Wright.

Wright is a rancher in Juab County and remembers during the beginning of Covid when there were beef shortages at grocery stores.

The empty shelves weren’t because of a lack of cows, but more because of a lack of processing plants with so many facilities forced to shut down.

“We couldn’t even feed our own community,” Wright said.

So, he and his team built the Bar-W Beef facility in Nephi. It will give ranchers another option to process their animals, instead of waiting for some of the bigger regional facilities to be available.

“We don’t know whatever is going to come down the road in the future, but we have the processing now and the ability and it makes us pretty comfortable and happy,” Wright said.

The grand opening of the Bar-W Beef facility was last week, but it is already getting plenty of attention from ranchers outside the state.

There is a lot of new technology put into it, such as a wastewater treatment facility and new hygienically designed equipment to reduce contamination risk.

“It’s fun to watch the people come in from back east because they come in and they have never seen something like this,” said Jeremy Lynn, who is part of the management team. “It is rare to see a brand new processing facility with brand new equipment.”

Bar-W Beef has its own cattle, feed lot, processing facility and USDA inspector on site.

They will also buy cows from ranchers throughout the state who want to sell them.

Wright said it creates an environment where people can know exactly where their food came from.

“I think the most important thing about that is traceability. Right? That is what I want,” Wright said. “I want to say, ‘Hey, everyone can trace their beef.’ We have our own that we raise and we buy local from farmers all over the state of Utah.”

Right now, the facility is harvesting about 40-50 cows a day and can supply food for nearly 20,000 families a month, but can do even more if another pandemic or emergency hits.

“We want to be able to provide and take care of people,” Lynn said.

There is even a market at the facility for people to buy food and sign up for subscription deliveries.

Products for sale at Bar-W in Nephi, photographed on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (Jack Grimm, KSL TV)

Wright and his team are also planning a steakhouse and burger shop to open this coming summer on the south end of Nephi, which will provide jobs to locals and food to people passing through the area.

“Once you taste the quality of our beef, you’ll want more,” said Wright with a smile. “We can, with the farmers in our community, take care of our own and that’s one of the greatest things about it.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Consumer

Seth Hiatt said his tabletop game company is being hit with new tariffs on his products that are ma...

Mike Anderson

Tariffs hit Utah businesses that import from China

Seth Hiatt said his tabletop game company is being hit with new tariffs on his products that are manufactured in China – a cost he'll have to pass on to consumers.

19 hours ago

RubySnap bakery in downtown Salt Lake City is struggling with the high cost of eggs. Pictured Wedne...

Debbie Worthen

Utah bakery feeling the pain of soaring egg prices

A Utah bakery is feeling the pain of soaring egg prices as they work to bake "joy in a cookie form."

20 hours ago

Rehn says despite the her washer’s fifth breakdown, her extended warranty company will not pay ou...

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt helps Washington City woman who says her warranty won’t pay out for her unrepairable washer

When a Washington City woman's extended warranty refused to cover the cost to replace her broken-down washer, she decided to Get Gephardt.

2 days ago

FILE – U.S. agriculture could be impacted heavily during a trade war, as it did in 2018-19. (KSL ...

Mike Anderson

Economist: Effects of 2018-19 trade war still linger, shows what to expect from another trade war with China

An economist at Utah State University says tariffs tend to hurt the consumer, and rarely achieve their objectives without doing significant damage.

3 days ago

Super Bowl-Snack Prices...

Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press

Winging it for the Super Bowl? Broccoli might be a cheaper party snack this year

The cost of hosting a Super Bowl party is expected to barely budge this year, with an average increase of about 10 cents from the previous year.

5 days ago

People buy groceries at a Walmart Superstore in Secaucus, New Jersey, July 11, 2024....

Paul Wiseman, AP Economics Writer

What are tariffs and how do they work?

Tariffs are in the news at the moment. But what are they?

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Idea for new beef processing plant in Nephi began during covid meat shortages