Iowa livestock producers looking to increase the value of their products might want to try their luck at some of Iowa’s casinos and race tracks. The manager of the Bluffs Run Greyhound track and casino in Council Bluffs says he has a hard time finding Iowa vendors to supply meat to his restaurants. Vern Welch says he’s looked into purchasing meat as far way as Des Moines, but hasn’t been successful. He says the cost of transporting the meat from Des Moines makes it cost prohibitive. And he says Des Moines vendors already have contracts for their meat.Welch says Iowa farmers don’t get the most benefit from the Iowa meat that is served in Council Bluffs as it is sent to Omaha for processing. Omaha processors mark the meat up for sale and gain most of the profit.Welch says Iowa it could be a lucrative market for a supplier just at his operation which he says buys millions of dollars of meat each year.The State Racing and Gaming Commission has a rule requiring the casinos to seek Iowa vendors for all their purchases. Commission member Jim Hassenfritz asked the casino managers to consider working with Iowa producers to develop a way to produce meat in the state for the casinos.
Iowa's Radio News Network
