EDR Study Highlights Opportunity for Beef Processing in Saskatchewan and Facility in Regina
November 28, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
REGINA, SK – A new Impact and Insight Study released today by Economic Development Regina (EDR) highlights the strong case for greater beef processing in Saskatchewan through a plant in the Greater Regina Area (GRA) – a mid-scale beef processing facility that, with investment, would unlock an opportunity to significantly strengthen the province’s agriculture economy and food supply chain.
Saskatchewan is home to Canada’s second-largest beef cow herd – about 1M head – yet less than one per cent of its cattle are processed locally with over 90 per cent shipped to Alberta or Ontario. This means lost GDP, fewer jobs, and closed paths to export higher-value beef at premium prices.
EDR completed this study in its role to identify prospects that build on Saskatchewan’s strengths, including agriculture. As the region’s economic development agency, EDR is engaged early and often in industry conversations and trends, such as the bioeconomy, energy transition and emerging sectors. This study reflects that role – connecting agricultural leadership, insights from events like Agribition, and shared long-term plans to grow and diversify the province’s key sectors.
“We have a huge opportunity in front of us,” said Colin Savage, EDR’s Director of Economics & Data Analytics. “The study is a compelling case for establishing a federally inspected beef processing facility in Regina to keep more value here at home. With global demand rising for high-quality, traceable beef as well as halal-certified, and hormone-free products, in Asia, the Middle East and elsewhere, Saskatchewan is well positioned to help meet that demand today and into the future.”
Broader trends also support the opportunity, including Saskatchewan’s goal to double meat processing revenue by 2030, federal investment in supply-chain resilience, and increasing global demand for sustainable, premium protein.
Why Regina?
The GRA offers unmatched advantages for a facility of this scale:
- Proximity to Saskatchewan’s 1M-head cattle herd
- Access to major feed grain producers, reducing finishing costs
- A trimodal inland port in the Global Transportation Hub (GTH) that offers Foreign Trade Zone status, Class I rail, and competitive industrial land options
- Direct connections to U.S. border crossings and West Coast ports
- A skilled workforce supported by post-secondary agri-food and research institutions
Together, these strengths create an efficient operating environment and provide fast access to more than 270M consumers within 48 hours.
Major Economic Impact
According to the study, a new facility would deliver significant economic returns:
During Construction (36 months):
- $504M in economic output
- $238M in GDP
- 1,120 full-time equivalent jobs
During Annual Operations:
- $168M in economic output
- $76M in GDP
- 723 full-time equivalent jobs
The facility would also generate tens of millions of dollars annually in municipal, provincial, and federal government revenue to support community growth.
“Regina is ready to lead Saskatchewan into a new era of value-added growth,” said Savage. “A local beef processing facility would be impactful from keeping more value in the province to supporting ranchers and creating hundreds of quality jobs and beyond.
This is not just a plant – it is a catalyst for prosperity.”
EDR and its local and national partners are prepared to support investors at every stage, including site selection, permitting, workforce connections, and industry partnerships. The study also identifies viable ownership models, from producer-led cooperatives to private equity and Indigenous-led ventures, alongside expansion options for established processors.
Due to the highly competitive market intelligence contained in the report, only a high-level summary is being released publicly. Those seeking access and deeper insight into the opportunity are encouraged to contact Colin Savage directly.
For media inquiries, contact:
Mattea Lucyk
Manager, Communications
Economic Development Regina Inc.
mlucyk@economicdevelopmentregina.com
306-565-6392
For information about the study, contact:
Colin Savage
Director, Economics & Data Analytics
Economic Development Regina Inc.
csavage@economicdevelopmentregina.com
306-565-6384
About Economic Development Regina Inc.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGINA INC. (EDR) is the lead agency for economic development for the Greater Regina Area (GRA). EDR provides leadership to the community with specific accountability for the following core functions:
- Support industry growth and diversification through retention, development, and attraction of industry.
- Find innovative ways to promote sustainable growth while effectively addressing the challenges associated with it.
- Market and promote the Greater Regina Area for business and investment.
- Ensure the Greater Regina Area offers a vibrant and diversified economy for investors, a climate of growth for business and works toward a high quality of life for residents.
