Williams Baptist University opens fourth meat processing facility in Arkansas

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Walnut Ridge-based Williams Baptist University has opened the fourth meat processing facility licensed by the Arkansas Meat Inspection Program, according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The facility joins Arkansas State University, JACO Meats, and Ferguson’s Packing Company as state-inspected meat processing facilities.

“The expansion of state-inspection facilities across the state is great news for Arkansas consumers and the state’s agriculture industry,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We are hopeful that this program will continue to increase the availability of locally sourced meat and meat products for Arkansans.”

The Arkansas Meat Inspection Program was authorized by Act 418 during the 2021 Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly and was finalized through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The program allows the Department to inspect meat products for shipment within Arkansas.

Williams Baptist University opens fourth meat processing facility in Arkansas