ODESSA - A meat processing plant dedicated to small livestock producers has opened in Odessa after five years of planning and waiting.

According to Teresa King, treasurer of the Livestock Processors Co-op Association (LPCA), custom processing began on Aug. 19. USDA inspection will begin on Sept. 3.

A grand opening will be held on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 3-6 p.m. The plant is located at 13644 Stein Lane E, in the Odessa Industrial Park just off Hwy 21, approximately two miles south of the town of Odessa.

"We want you to see our amazing new facility, participate in discussions regarding scheduling livestock and marketing locally raised meats," Teresa King said.

There will be a ribbon cutting cermony at 4 p.m. with light refreshments.

The LPCA is the brainchild of the Cattle Producers of Washington (CPW). Most of the same people are involved in both organizations. Wade King is the former president of the Cattle Producers and Teresa King is the former secretary.

Plant manager Tally Ross maybe reached at 509-982-0115.

The LPCA meat processing plant will process beef, hogs, lambs and goats with USDA inspection. According to Teresa King, the 78 members of the LPCA Co-op will get scheduling before non-members.

Producers will have an opportunity to market their meats with Empire Ranches, marketing group out of Spokane. If you need assistance with marketing, you may give Empire Ranches, David Pendergraft, a call at (509) 322-6473.

"It's finally a reality," Teresa King said. "More than five years in the making, our hard work has paid off.

"Please join us for the grand opening," she added. "This will be a great opportunity to tour the facility, meet employees, livestock producers, the LPCA Board, Cattle Producers of WA Board, Odessa PDA Board and others who helped make the dream of a producer-owned processing facility possible."