Meat harvesting and processing facilities in Mahoning and Columbiana counties are among several in Ohio to benefit from a state program to bolster the industry in its latest round of grant funding.

None in Trumbull County received funding this time, but have previously through the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program, which has given out millions to improve and expand facilities since its start in 2022.

In the fourth round, announced Wednesday, there were 51 companies that split $14 million.

In the Mahoning Valley, Beaver Township-based Robs Horst Packing, received $500,000, according to a state release.

Meanwhile in Columbiana County, C&J Meats received $65,741.

Eligible costs include new and upgraded machinery, other equipment and technology products, and plant construction or expansion for confinement, processing and refrigeration, according to the state.

The maximum grant amount in the program is $500,000.

“Meat harvesters and processors help keep our supply chain strong and our grocery stores and restaurants stocked,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “These grants will enable them to build better facilities and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.”

The program was created by the DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted Administration in 2022 with support from the General Assembly. The Ohio Department of Development administers the program in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. 

Across all four rounds of the program, 179 grants have been awarded to meat processors in 62 of Ohio’s 88 counties, totaling nearly $42 million.

Multiple businesses in the three-county region received grants in previous grant cycles, according to the state and Ohio Farm Bureau.

They include DiRusso’s Sausage in Mahoning County, $249,936, and C&J Meats in Columbiana County, $250,000, in round one.

In round two in Trumbull County, receiving money were Jones Processing, $71,745; Mahan Packing Co., $246,199; and Peden’s Meats, $16,920. In Mahoning County, Robs Horst Packing received $250,000 and Acme Steak & Seafood Co. was given $249,146, and in Columbiana County, Leslie Farm Custom Meat Processing was awarded $157,651, and Winona Frozen Foods received $250,000.

In round three, Premium Meats in Trumbull County received $250,000.

“Much of our meat today comes from large industrial farms and processors, and these grants help local farmers in Ohio serve their local customers with locally grown, high-quality meats,” Husted said. “These grants allow small businesses to create the efficiency and productivity they need to compete and provide locally grown food at an affordable price.”

Where the grants went …

A round-by-round breakdown of grants given to meat processors in the Mahoning Valley through the state’s meat processing grant program, according to the state and the Ohio Farm Bureau:

Round 1

Mahoning County

• DiRusso’s Sausage — $249,936

Columbiana County

• C&J Meats — $250,000

Round 2

Trumbull County

• Jones Processing — $71,745

• Mahan Packing Co. — $246,199

• Peden’s Meats — $16,920

Mahoning County

• Robs Horst Packing — $250,000

• Acme Steak & Seafood Co. — $249,146

Columbiana County

• Leslie Farm Custom Meat Processing — $157,651

• Winona Frozen Foods — $250,000

Round 3

Trumbull County

• Premium Meats — $250,000

Round 4

Mahoning County

• Robs Horst Packing — $500,000

Columbiana County

• C&J Meats — $65,741