Last-minute offer to buy Alaska Meat made during meeting to determine future of processing facility

Ben Adams announced his intention to buy Alaska Meat —the only USDA-certified meat processing facility in the southcentral — during a listening call hosted by the Alaska Division of Agriculture as it gathered input on the southcentral slaughterhouse closure after it was announced that the facility was set to close this fall.

“I'm going to buy it and I'm gonna keep it open and it's not gonna close for a day,” Adams said, adding that he has already made contact with investor Bill Borden and will be taking ownership and control of the plant effective November 1.

Adams, who owns 4T% Ranch in Soldotna, said he made his intentions known to Director Bryan Scoresby, but also wanted to hear from different people before making his decision.

“I've heard enough. I can't let close I'm not gonna let it close for my own herd, for the state of Alaska, and meat is back on the menu.”

Adams’ announcement was met with gratitude from commenters, most of whom were business owners who sell meat and meat products.

“I applaud him for doing what he’s doing,” said Will Hastings of Sandhill Farms in Wasilla, who said that he has known Adams as a customer for a long time.

Hastings also asked if there was anything the state could do to assist Adams moving forward, as well as anything others could do looking in the past to avoid a possible closure in the future.

The facility, currently owned by Todd and Sherrie Elsberry of North Pole, and Bill Borden of Georgia, announced plans to close last month and was no longer taking any appointments to take animals, according to Bryan Scoresby, the Director of the Division of Agriculture during opening statements of the listening session.

The announced closure had left many in the agriculture industry worried about the economic impact as well as the future of the livestock industry here in Alaska.

“We find ourselves with a slaughterhouse closure that is a big hole in economic engine bag agriculture here in South Central,” Scoresby said,

Many commenters said that the loss of the plant would be significant, stating the most often, the only way that meat can be sold is if has gone through the USDA or state inspector, with many hoping to see the plant be revived or purchased and continue on.

“It's gonna cut into the economic growth of the Valley greatly,” commented Victoria Bush of Bushes’ Bunches Produce in Palmer.

She suggested that there must be some people out there that would be interested and willing to purchase the facility and keep it running.

Another commenter asked if there was a possibility that the state could buy it back and hire somebody to run it. “I don't know how that works, but could the state step in somehow, because if we're going to be a self-sufficient state, we need to have a USDA facility in the area,” said Carol Strickland.

“I want to thank Ben Adams for stepping up, to keep this plant open. We all know this is critical,” said Andrew Jensen from Governor Mike Dunleavy’s office.

He went on to thank Director Scoresby, as well as the producers and stakeholders who were online and providing input and ideas, “You are the heart of what we are trying to do.”

Scoresby took a moment to recognize the efforts made by Elsberry when he purchased the plant in 2021, when it was closed, and kept operating it as a slaughterhouse. “Their efforts have been a huge help to all who raise animals and have used the slaughterhouse.”

His comments were echoed by Jensen, who said, “Todd busted his butt to make this plant work and I think we all owe him a lot of thanks.”

Scoresby said that all comments would be compiled and submitted for consideration as they move forward.