Gubernatorial candidate denounces state closure of Russell County Butchery

July 31, 2025 – RUSSELL COUNTY, AL - The state of Alabama has ordered the closure of a livestock processing facility in Russell County, citing regulatory noncompliance and public health concerns. The processor, located in Seale and known as The Russell County Butchery, had served as a USDA-inspected site for beef, pork, goat, and sheep processing since its founding in 2022. The backlash to the closure has reached all the way to the Governor's race.

2026 Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken McFeeters condemned the shutdown of Russell County Butchery.

"Let me be absolutely clear," McFeeters said. "Priority number one on my platform is this: Alabama must be able to feed itself. If we lose that ability, we lose everything."

McFeeters claimed that unelected state officials have spent years undermining local agriculture and food independence, with this week's closure of Russell County Butchery as just the latest proof.

"Montgomery should be helping local food get on local tables - the more local, the better," said McFeeters. "But instead, they're shutting down the very people who are feeding Alabama with real, clean food. And who are they helping? The globalists."

According to officials from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, the shutdown followed multiple inspections that revealed sanitation violations and operational deficiencies. While specific details have not been publicly disclosed, sources familiar with the matter suggest the facility failed to meet required standards for meat handling and waste disposal.

The closure has sparked concern among local farmers and ranchers, many of whom relied on the processor for timely and affordable livestock services. "This is a major setback for small producers in our area," said one Russell County cattle farmer. "We're now forced to haul animals much farther, which increases costs and stress on the livestock."

The Alabama Meat Processing Program, launched to support small and medium-sized processors, may play a role in helping affected producers find alternatives. However, the sudden loss of a local facility underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining rural food infrastructure.

"If Alabama can't feed itself, it can't free itself," McFeeters said. "Do you really want to eat whatever's being churned out of some chemical-laced mega factory in China? Because that's where this is headed," he warned. "Russell County Butchery knows the farmers, knows the cows, knows the customers - and they don't pump their meat full of poisons and preservatives. This is Alabama feeding Alabama. That's what freedom looks like! Meanwhile, our kids are being fed mystery meat and chemical cocktails in school lunches - all rubber-stamped by the same Montgomery bureaucrats who are shutting down local butchers. They'll say it's about health and regulation, but let's get real. These same bureaucrats probably stopped for a fast food burger on the way home from shutting down Russell County Butchery - a burger made from carcinogen infused and God knows what else, but definitely not healthy Alabama beef."

McFeeters claimed that there have been alarming changes in the quality of food over the years.

"Go read the label on ketchup or Gatorade from 20 years ago and compare it to today. Look at the beer you drink - it's full of glyphosate that's banned in 30 other countries."

McFeeters blasted the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Governor Kay Ivey for inaction: "They allow poisonous mystery meats to flood our shelves with zero oversight, while burying small, local producers in red tape. It's insanity - and it must stop."

McFeeters claimed that true independence starts with the ability to feed ourselves.

"The only real freedom is the freedom to put food on your own table, grown by your own people. When the globalists throw their next temper tantrum, Alabama better be ready to stand on its own. And that starts with food."

"Governor Ivey, the Department of Agriculture - do something, and do it TODAY. Stop siding with the globalists and start standing with Alabama's people."

State officials have not indicated whether the processor will be allowed to reopen pending corrective actions. The situation remains under review.

(A.I. contributed to this report)