TRUCKING OUR WASHDOWN WATER TO A MUNICIPAL SYSTEM IS AN EXTREME EXPECTATION FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN!! (COSTS ARE $1800 – $2000 PER WEEK)

THE FARMING INDUSTRY HAS BEEN UNDER ATTACK – see Farm Bureau Letter: https://mfb- ottawa.informz.net/informzdataservice/onlineversion/ind/bWFpbGluZ2luc3RhbmNlaWQ9MTE xMDAyMjYmc3Vic2NyaWJlcmlkPTExNzU0Mzk5Mjg=

THIS FRUSTRATING ISSUE IS BEING FOUGHT BY THE SMALL MEAT PROCESSOR AS WELL.

Everyday Caledonia Packing washes down the facility with high pressure hot water (180 degrees). This method of washing down and sanitizing our facility results in VERY CLEAN wastewater which is held in our lined lagoon. This lagoon/pond is a “holding vessel” for the water through the winter. In the past this water has been approved for land application. The STATE OF MICHIGAN IS HOLDING BACK ON DISCHARGE PERMITS WHILE THEY WORK ON CHANGING REQUIREMENTS. In November of 2022 the new permit for Meat Processors was released and almost immediately challenged by the Michigan Meat Association. (Similar to the permit for CAFO farmers as referenced in the Farm Bureau letter above).

It is encouraged for you to contact your state representatives https://www.house.mi.gov/ and your state senator https://senate.michigan.gov/FindYourSenator/ We have found that when an affected individual contacts their representative to inform about these extreme changes there are a chain of events that happen. Each state representative WANTS to know what is going on in their constituency. Please call them!

Download our PDF letter

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY (6/12/2023)

Dear Valued Customers of Caledonia Packing,

Because of the extreme ripple effect induced by the Covid-19 virus, all meat processors are experiencing maximum capacity for both slaughter and processing. It is our intent to help as many farmers as possible. Our schedule is presently beyond its limits for the next 3 months (May, June & July).

We will not be accepting any more appointments but instead please expect to be placed on a waiting list in a first call – first serve order. We will be limiting your animals to a maximum of 2 beef at a time. Pigs and lambs are dependent on NFS or USDA availability. We will call you with your slaughter date at least 2 weeks in advance.

Your kindness is appreciated at this time.

Thank you,
-Caledonia Packing & Staff

Caledonia Packing receives the 2016 Barrier Buster Award from the Making it in Michigan Conference on November 21, 2016.