New Beef Processing Facility Brings Jobs and Growth to Huron, SD

Today, there are currently three major beef processing plants in Eastern South Dakota. South Dakota’s heavily agricultural economy lends itself well to expansion in this sector, and that is why High Plains Premium Beef (HPPB) is in the planning phase of developing the fourth beef processing plant in Eastern South Dakota. 

The plant will be in the Huron / Beadle County area and will be notable for its custom services, which will be done in addition to traditional labeling. These custom services will allow for processed beef products to be labeled under the brand of the producer as opposed to that of the processing plant. The Dakota Institute developed an economic impact assessment for this plant with proposed investment data furnished by HPPB.

During the construction phase of this project, the HPPB plant would be expected to support roughly 188 jobs, a $11.3 million in labor income, and a $14 million increase in the Beadle County economy. At the same time, the construction would be expected to generate roughly $960,000 in federal, state, and local taxes.

The HPPB plant is expected to operate at capacity within three to five years of its opening, and the Dakota Institute has used its 2nd year as its benchmark for assessing operational economic impacts. With the opening of the plant, it is estimated that it would create 80 full-time jobs, 116 indirect/induced jobs, and contribute $22.7 million to the local GDP. The transportation, wholesale trade, equipment repair, and grocery wholesalers would be receiving the greatest boost as a result of the plant. 

On the whole, the HPPB plant is projected to have a lasting positive economic impact for Huron and Beadle County. Local GDP is slated to increase markedly, the local tax base will expand notably, and local farmers will be given another avenue to sell the farm products that they have placed a great deal of time and energy into.