Cargill Officially Opens New Employee Housing in Fort Morgan, Strengthening Workforce Support and Continued Investment in U.S. Beef

New 81-unit apartment complex advances a $40 million housing initiative, part of Cargill’s broader $90 million commitment to employees, innovation and community in Fort Morgan.

• New 81-unit apartment complex opens for Cargill employees, adding to 27 townhomes completed earlier this year, helping address Fort Morgan’s housing shortage.
• CarVe, a proprietary AI-powered tool at the Fort Morgan beef plant, boosts yields and reduces waste – part of ongoing automation investments amid tighter cattle supplies.
• Broader $90 million commitment includes housing, tech upgrades and community grants, reinforcing Cargill’s long-term investment in people and place.

FORT MORGAN, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cargill this week celebrated the official opening of a new 81-unit employee apartment complex in Fort Morgan, Colorado — marking the latest milestone in a $40 million housing initiative aimed at improving workforce support and strengthening the local community.

The newly opened apartments, in addition to 27 townhomes completed earlier this year, provide quality housing for more than 100 employees at Cargill’s beef processing facility. Developed in collaboration with Portmanteau, United Way of Morgan County, Project Moxie and the Morgan County Family Center, the Riverside Housing initiative is part of a coordinated effort to help address the region’s housing shortage — a barrier that has made it harder for both employers and families to thrive in Morgan County. To qualify for housing, at least one tenant must be employed at the Cargill Fort Morgan plant, and units are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“This project is already making a meaningful difference for our team,” said Johanna Hernandez, general manager of Cargill’s Fort Morgan facility. “Nearly 60 percent of our employees commute from outside Fort Morgan, many traveling 45 minutes to an hour each way. Providing homes in Fort Morgan gives our employees more time with their families, reduces daily stress, and strengthens the fabric of this community we are proud to serve.”

In addition to the housing investment, Cargill has provided over $500,000 in local grants, including support for expanded childcare services and first-time homebuyer education — further addressing the barriers facing working families in the region.

The housing initiative is part of Cargill’s broader $90 million commitment to Fort Morgan and the future of the U.S. beef industry. This includes automation and technology upgrades at the plant through its Factory of the Future initiative. These enhancements are designed to improve workplace safety and increase operational efficiency. Since 2021, Cargill has already invested $24 million in upgrades at the site.

One of the most recent innovations introduced at Fort Morgan is CarVe, Cargill’s proprietary, patent-pending computer vision system. CarVe delivers real-time yield data to frontline managers, helping employees improve cutting precision, reduce waste and capture more meat per animal — especially important as cattle supplies tighten in the current market.

“Every ounce matters,” said Leon Fletcher, vice president of operations for Cargill Beef. “Even a single ounce of improved yield can mean more than a million additional meals in the food supply. While results may vary by location, what we’re seeing confirms the power of this technology. It supports our employees and strengthens the supply chain.”

“I started out on the processing floor,” added Steve Rodriguez, fabrication floor manager at the Fort Morgan plant. “CarVe is a game changer. I wish we’d had it 20 years ago.”

Together, Cargill’s investments in people, technology and community partnerships reflect its long-term commitment to Fort Morgan and the broader food system.

About Cargill

Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Our 155K+ employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.