The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Three Rivers Meat Co. cut the ribbon on a brand new meat processing plant in Octavia/Smithville, Okla., designed to serve residents in the area who would otherwise have to drive an hour away to buy fresh meat and produce, according to a release from Choctaw Nation.
The Three Rivers facility is USDA-inspected and will process meat and value-added products, and sell those products in the retail store within the building. Being USDA-inspected means the facility can sell and ship products across state lines. It will also feature a cafe.
Choctaw Nation launched the Choctaw Beef program in 2023, and the partnership gives that program an additional processing outlet for the cattle along with Coalgate, Okla.-based H&L Processing. Coalgate is located two hours west of Smithville.
The Three Rivers facility will process cattle and hogs primarily, but it will also take wild game, goats and lamb. It expects to start at 75 butcher orders per week with its sights set on capacity growth in the future. On the retail side, it will feature a meat and deli counter, offering fresh meat, deli meats, house-made cheese and pre-cooked foods, as well as sausage, bacon and chicken-fried steak.
