WILLISTON – A new beef processing plant in Williston is getting a boost from the Williston STAR Fund. The Williston City Commission approved up to $72,000 for the plant at its meeting on Tuesday, according to a news release.

The grant will be used for the purchase and renovation of the building located at 6 East Dakota Parkway in Williston.

Yellowstone River Beef is owned and operated by Trevor Abell, Jamie Aqidius and Brandon Forseth of Oregon. They are purchasing Prairie Packing and converting it into an export-focused operation and still plan to provide local custom processing as well as a retail store front on site for the Williston community and surrounding areas.

The Yellowstone River Beef Team is made up of each aspect of business to create success in the global marketplace.

“We have established a network of local cattle ranchers who are excited to have their cattle processed locally and distributed to worldwide markets. This allows Yellowstone River Beef to have a traceable product and control the process from calf to final cut,” said Abell. “This ensures the highest quality standards in each phase of the process.”

The STAR Fund Flex PACE Buydown program will help lower the interest on Yellowstone’s commercial loan. The program includes a 2-to 1 matching grant from the Bank of North Dakota.

Keith Olson, regional director of the Small Business Development Center, helped Yellowstone with its financing package.

“I think it’s a really good project because it’s the first big ag project we have had in a while,” said Olson.

“The plant will be one of the only U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected processing plants in the region,” said Williston Economic Development Executive Director Shawn Wenko. “The plant will process beef locally and export it to overseas markets and sell some locally.”

Williston Mayor Howard Klug said the enterprise will provide many benefits to the region.

“This project not only adds a layer to our local economy, but it exposes our local products to a worldwide market,” said Klug.

Yellowstone River Beef officials said collaborating with Olson and the SBDC, Williston STAR Fund and the City of Williston helped get the project off the ground.

“We are excited to be here and look forward to working and growing with the Williston community. Give us a call to get on the schedule for local custom processing or to reserve your Yellowstone River Beef Box today!” said Abell.

Yellowstone River Beef is currently accepting applications for experienced employees and personnel who would like to join their team. Anyone interested in a career in the processing and export industry can call 577-6788.