Denver Slaughterhouse Measure Reveals Impacts of Meat Industry

Voters did not approve a measure that would have closed a slaughterhouse that is key to the nation’s lamb production.

1 minute read

November 8, 2024, 8:10 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Panoramic view of downtown Denver, Colorado.

Sean Xu / Adobe Stock

Denver County voters rejected a ballot measure that would have closed a slaughterhouse in the Globeville neighborhood that processes 15 to 20 percent of the total lamb slaughter capacity in the country.

According to research by Jennifer Martin, an associate professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University, “Our report found that a closure of the Denver facility would require most of the sheep harvested there to instead be harvested in other states.” If the measure had passed, it could have had a 2 percent impact on livestock production nationwide. “The effects, which have been observed after closures of meat-processing facilities in other regions, would have included fewer sheep produced and a decline in the economic value of live sheep. Additionally, the closure would have resulted in a loss of livestock employment opportunities and a transition away from sheep production toward other enterprises.”

Martin explains how “The ballot measure highlighted the complexities of the meat supply chain and the challenges sheep producers face in getting lamb meat to consumers.” The meat industry is global, Martin notes, and “Balancing the value of the export market with imports from other countries underpins the profitability of livestock and meat producers across the globe.”

Friday, November 1, 2024 in The Conversation

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City