A planned beef processing facility in Dimmitt is receiving a major financial boost from the federal government, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture announcing a $24.6 million loan guarantee to support the project.
The facility, being developed by West Texas Beef Producers, is expected to create approximately 220 jobs with an average wage of $30 per hour. Once operational, the plant will have the capacity to process roughly 400 head of cattle per day.
The project began with 36 local investors involved in cattle production across the Texas Panhandle. The investors are working to establish a processing operation that could provide additional opportunities for the region's cattle industry while bringing new employment to Castro County.
For Dimmitt, the economic impact could extend well beyond the facility itself.
Dimmitt City Manager Daniel Jackson said the additional jobs could help strengthen the local economy by bringing more customers to existing businesses.
“Adding that many jobs here is going to have a ripple effect in supporting our local businesses, our small businesses, more money being spent here. It’s just a positive for Dimmitt,” Jackson said.
Jackson also believes the facility could provide employment opportunities for residents who currently commute outside Dimmitt for work.
However, the anticipated growth could create additional needs for the community, including more housing and businesses to accommodate new workers and their families.
West Texas Beef Producers CEO Courtney Dettle emphasized that the project remains in its early development stages.
“West Texas Beef Producers is a group of Texas ranchers and cattle feeders working to bring a beef processing facility to Dimmitt. We appreciate the strong support from the City of Dimmitt and Castro County. We’re making steady progress and look forward to sharing more details when we reach key milestones,” Dettle said.
A construction timeline and anticipated opening date have not yet been announced.
