For the first time since at least 2001, cattle are being imported into Alaska for direct slaughter.
Direct slaughter is the industry term for animals imported to be killed at a processing facility without spending any time at Alaska farms. Two loads of cattle were imported from Canada in May and June according to import permits filed with the Alaska office of the state veterinarian.
The 76 animals — purchased from ranchers in British Columbia and Alberta — were transported to Mt. McKinley Meat and Sausage plant in Palmer, where they were slaughtered within 10 days of their arrival.
It's part of the business plan for the slaughterhouse's new owner, Greg Giannulis, who purchased the plant from the state in May.
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