VERNON COUNTY - On April 9, 2018 two representatives from the Vernon County citizen-based group Concerned Citizens for Smart Growth (CCSG) met with a representative of Premium Iowa Pork (PIP) in regard to the large-scale pork slaughterhouse that had been slated to open in the fall of 2018 at E7342 Three Chimney Road, the former Driftless Meats, located between the cities of Viroqua and Westby.

At the meeting, which took place after a tour of the facility, the group was notified that PIP has made the decision to not expand or operate the building and business as a large-scale pork slaughter house as had been previously planned. PIP further indicated a willingness to sell the property in the hopes of finding a buyer more suited to the current demographics and needs of the greater Vernon County community.

Over the last eight months, as local residents learned the implications of what a large-scale hog slaughter facility would mean for the area, they signed petitions and held meetings to voice their concerns. PIP listened. The CEO of PIP, Dan Paquin, stated that the company would like to work with CCSG and the community to find viable buyout options for the property. While the building has been vacant for over a year, it has been well maintained, and will be sold complete with the business name and all equipment. 

Interested buyers are encouraged to contact attorney Kim Ward of Ward Law Office at 608-637-2246 or via email at wardlaw3@yahoo.com for additional information regarding the potential purchase of this highly desirable commercial property.

This property is uniquely situated between Viroqua and Westby and could provide any number of farming or manufacturing opportunities to any business so inclined. All reasonable options will be considered with the end goal being to provide a sustainable facility that will not only be profitable to the purchaser, but beneficial to the entire Driftless community.