Small Meat Processor Workshop Set for April 25th

By Andi Anderson

As the demand for local meat processing remains robust, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach's Enterprise Development team is hosting a Small Meat Processor Workshop on April 25th. Designed for both aspiring entrepreneurs and those new to the industry, the workshop aims to provide valuable insights into essential aspects of the meat processing business.

Given the persistent interest in local meat processing, the workshop will cover crucial topics such as business planning, budgets, marketing strategies, and more. The event will take place at Iowa State's Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames.

The surge in interest in local meat processing has been notable post-COVID-19, as the pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain, leading to customer order backlogs. Dan Nieland, a small business education specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, emphasizes the limited capacity of local meat processors, even though the situation has improved since the pandemic.

The workshop aims to support entrepreneurs by offering resources for those starting anew or seeking expansion. Participants can access guidance on business planning, risk management, and enterprise budgets. Speakers, including experts from ISU Extension and Outreach and state meat regulators, will share valuable insights to empower individuals in the local meat processing industry.

Check-in for the workshop begins at 8:30 a.m., with the session scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will be provided with a light breakfast and lunch. While the workshop is free, registration is required due to limited seats. Interested individuals can register by April 10th at https://GO.IASTATE.EDU/DC9LFB

For additional details, contact Ethan Bowers at embowers@iastate.edu. The workshop receives support from USDA-NIFA under Award Number 2022-70419-38561.

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