TELFORD, Tenn. (WJHL)- Appalachian Producers Cooperative is now open and taking appointments at its brand new state-of-the-art facility in Telford off of Highway 11-E.

The co-op gives local farmers the advantage of having a voice, as well as seeing some of the profits eventually returned to their pockets. Before the facility came to be, local farmers had to outsource their cattle to meat processing facilities as far away as the Midwest.

General Manager Mark Zananti said that this local plant will cut out the extra costs associated with processing out of state.

“Currently, a lot of farmers are having to transport their animals 100 miles or more, one way, to get them processed,” said Zananti. “This being local, we save all that transportation time and fuel costs, and we are able to do some packaging and do things a little bit differently that some other entities cannot.”

Appalachian Producers Cooperative processes a variety of livestock and animals, which is attractive to the agricultural community.

“I occasionally speak at different functions, and a lot of people are very interested because we’ll be processing beef and pork and other animals as well, and this is a very agricultural community, which we’re very proud to be part of.”

The agricultural community is not the only ones that stand to benefit from the new co-op. Local students will also gain valuable education and experience, thanks to their partnership with TCAT.

Administrative Manager Crystal James said that they hope to pass on the trade to the next generation, keeping the community focused on its agricultural roots.

“It’s not just being farmers. It is investing in our trades and our young people, and really just fostering that the trades are a dying art, butchery and things of that nature are a dying art”, said James. “Allowing them a space to learn not only in the classroom but also hands-on is a really great resource for our community and for our children.”

The meat processing facility is currently about 99% open and is actively accepting appointments.

The best way to reach the co-op is by phone at 423-597-6335.