Songbird Meat Production LLC | Application Preview
Songbird Meat Production LLC is seeking government grants to support the establishment of a USDA certified meat processing facility in the St. John Valley, where access to such services is severely limited. Specifically, the funding will cover costs associated with constructing a steel building, insulation, a cement slab, equipment purchase, and the installation of essential systems such as plumbing, electrical infrastructure, and HVAC. The total funding request is substantially aimed at addressing the high demand for local meat processing, particularly in light of recent shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The business intends to provide local farmers with greater access to slaughter and butchering services, thus improving the quality of meat by reducing transportation stress on livestockâcurrently, the nearest comparable facility is over 150 miles away. By offering fresh, locally sourced products, Songbird aims to enhance the customer experience, particularly with grass-fed beef and locally raised pork.
In its five-year plan, Songbird Meat Production will source meat from Rossignol Farms, a family-run farm with a long history in the area, and will also focus on educational initiatives related to meat production and agricultural sciences in collaboration with local educational institutions.
The competitive landscape includes established rivals like Hatch's Custom Meats, Kevin's Custom Cuts, and Dube's Custom Meat Processing, each with a limited service capacity and geographical constraints. Songbird plans to differentiate itself by providing a wider range of services, including customizable aging options and an online presence for convenience.
The ownership team has invested their personal finances in this venture, demonstrating their commitment to its success. With a strong understanding of the market needs and available expertise, Songbird Meat Production aims to not only meet the demand for local meat processing but also benefit the entire St. John Valley community.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 85-4013753
Location: Saint Agatha, ME, United States
Length of Operation: First Year of Operat
Number of Employees:
Annual Gross Income:
Annual Gross Expense:
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
The expenses in building include the Steel building and insulation ($58,000), cement slab and knee walls, building supplies ($25,000), equipment to be purchased ($40,000), the 20x20x8- 3200 foot cooler ($20,000). Along with those costs, the funding will also go to the septic for commercial waste, plumbing, installation of a dry-well, commercial grade electrical, inspection costs, permit costs, and additional HVAC costs.($75,000). Additional $80,000 towards equipment and machinery in the first year of the business to go USDA certified meat processing facility. Expanding the access for local farmers is our direct intent. Access to these services is a challenge for almost all of the farmers in the St John Valley. The closest facility to provide the slaughter and butchering process is over 150 miles away. This will affect the quality of meat due to stress. Reducing the transportation cost and reducing the stress of the livestock will increase our ability to provide for the farms and homesteads up here in the County significantly. The meat to the customer will be an improved experience that will be worth the customer giving our experience a shot. If the customer experiences grass-fed meat, or locally raised pork/pig, and they "know" exactly what the experience is, the business will thrive. The individuals invested in Songbird Meat Production LLC have committed their personal finances to starting the company up. The building has been secured, via down payment and they are continuing to try secure entire financing in the next two to three months for the complete start up to be able to provide USDA certified meat.
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Business Plan
In the next five years, it is the intent to provide beef/pork raised on Rossignol Farms. Rossignol Farm has been in Dorothy Rossignol's family since 1890. Romain Chasse (Dorothy's Great-Great Grandfather) in 1890 who was deeded the 100 acres of woodland on Flat Mountain in Saint Agatha Township with the promise of making the land profitable and bringing more population to the area. Songbird Meat Production LLC will also be providing education and learning opportunities. Ranging from Homegrown Beef/Pork production, to Anatomy/Physiology, to Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and the list continues to grow.State of Maine Department of Education, University of Maine Agriculture Extension offices, and with local schools in the area. The owners have put their personal finances to this business venture. The St. John Valley experienced a significant meat shortage at the onset of COVID 19 and continues to see a unprecedented demand for locally raised beef/pork. The quality of meat is directly influenced by the treatment of the livestock. Transportation costs and the current experience continues to see an increase in prices with very little control of the consumer to being able to choose or control their experience, being held captive to make a direct, limited choice. If there are interested investors, those in the St John Valley will directly benefit, as well as the investors by either seeing a return on investment on their name being associated or by other agreements as designated. Songbird Meat Production LLC is committed to success by their eclectic range of skills, personal finances, time, experience, and passion for providing these services for their community. Songbird Meat Production will be providing USDA Slaughtering and Butchering, an online presence, customizable hanging time for dry or butter aged beef, and all species (of domesticated and game animals).
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Self Identified Competition
Hatch's Custom Meats: Est Annual income: ($150,000) Located in Crystal, Maine (150 Miles or greater from Northern Aroostook) Established business and clientele, although livestock do experience significant stress, decreasing the quality in meat with tenderness and taste. Currently offers State and Custom services (certified May 2020) Southern Aroostook location Kevin's Custom Cuts: Est annual income:($30,000) Located in Madwaska, Maine (Custom Butcher only), he is a skilled butcher/custom cuts with game (deer/moose). Dorothy has learned several key techniques from Kevin. Established business and clientele, one of his biggest clients is Gaetan Rossignol, (Rossignol Farm) 12-15 head of cattle, 12-15 pig/pork head a year that will be bringing his livestock to Songbird Meat Production LLC. 15-20 Years of experience Limited cooler space (2,016 cubic feet) Dube's Custom Meat Processing: Est. Annual Income($60,000) Located in Frenchville, Maine (Custom butcher and slaughter). Farmer that raises beef cattle. Established business and clientele, although very few local farmers with their livestock. Predominantly established with game meat. 15+ years of experience. Cooler is smaller than 2,000 cubic feet Offered all year, but predominantly seasonal work, Last choice of most hunters. Songbird Meat Production will be providing USDA Slaughtering and Butchering, an online presence, customizable hanging time for dry or butter aged beef, and all species (of domesticated and game animals). Dorothy Rossignol being co-owner provides a diverse amount of reasons that set Songbird Meat Production LLC from the competitors. Rossignol has over 5 years of experience with slaughter and butchering. She has worked with Kevin Deschaine with custom cuts and butchering, worked as a farm hand with Aroostook Beef Company in handling other livestock, and bilingual in english and french.
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