Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Conducting Beef Survey to Gauge Local Rancher Needs
Hugo, Okla. - The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is currently engaged in an economic study to determine the feasibility of various actions the Nation and others might take to stimulate the beef industry in Southeastern Oklahoma.
The purpose of the study is to gauge the potential for expanding the industry, making it more profitable and identifying the best ways to go forward. While the focus of the effort is economic development for Tribal Members of the Nation, it is anticipated whatever measures are eventually taken will involve and be open to other farmers and ranchers who may not be Tribal Members.
There are a number of possible ways Southeastern Oklahoma beef producers could be assisted. “We’re not committed to any one course of action at this point,” said Dale Jackson a Senior Business Analyst for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, “there are many options, ranging from technical assistance, to building a slaughter facility to serve the region. That’s why we’re conducting an online survey to see what our local producers really need and want most. The survey is available here and we encourage everyone to complete it, which can be done anonymously if desired. We need this information, and quickly, because we hope to wrap up the project over the next month. To make it easier for those who may not have internet access, we are making hard copies available at our business development and agricultural facility locations or they can be requested by calling me at (580) 920-8280 Ext. 2738. There’s just one basic requirement: we need the surveys completed on-line or back to us by January 15.”
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has lands across 10 ½ counties in Southeastern Oklahoma including Atoka, Bryan. Choctaw, Coal, Haskell, Hughes, Le Flore, McCurtain, McIntosh, Pittsburg and Pushmataha Counties. The economic feasibility study is being funded with the assistance of a Rural Business Opportunity Grant from USDA.