Read the release on Sen. Ernst's website HERE.

Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. 

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Ruthven Meat Processing of Palo Alto County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. 

“Ruthven Meat Processing has a reputation for providing customers in northwest Iowa with high-quality meats and cheeses cut with care and expertise,” said Ranking Member Ernst. “The Kraft family has paired technical butcher training with an entrepreneurial spirit to build a business that is the best kept secret in the Ruthven area. I look forward to watching their continued success.”

In 2002, Terry and Beth Kraft founded Ruthven Meat Processing to provide meats, custom meat processing, and meat storage to customers in Palo Alto County. The couple’s son, Chris Kraft, purchased the business from his parents in 2019, and now serves as president and CEO alongside his wife, Suzie, the vice president of marketing. Today, the business has additional locations in Arnolds Park, Spencer, and Spirit Lake. The entire team at Ruthven Meat Processing is well-recognized for their excellence in their field with numerous awards from the Iowa Meat Processors Association. In 2024, Ruthven Meat Processing celebrated its 22nd business anniversary under the Kraft family’s leadership.

Stay tuned as Ranking Member Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

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