Small Meat Processing Management Training Program

Single-Day Roundtables - Fall 2026

This fall, the program is planning to host a series of single-day roundtable workshops at various locations to be determined. They will cover some essential topics from the program, like:

• Human Resources (Legal, Hiring, Retention)
• Pricing and Plant Economics
• Processed Meats Practices
• Fresh Meats Practices

Check back soon for details. Sign up here to be notified when more information is available and we'll reach out!

Next Full Program: Spring 2027 in Lincoln, Nebraska

Program Overview

Nebraska Extension's Meat Processing Management Training program is for owners, managers, and management-track employees of small meat processing plants across the U.S.

The next program is centered around a weeklong in-person experience, to be held in Lincoln in March 2027, to guide participants in working to ensure a successful and profitable future through understanding their business and future goals while developing a continuous improvement mindset. The program aims to help managers build their knowledge of the industry, their employees, financial management, and more.

Custom exempt, state-inspected, and federally inspected plants from across the U.S. are encouraged to apply. Up to two people per plant will be accepted.

The program is conducted by UNL's Center for Agricultural Profitability and Department of Animal Science, in collaboration with the College of Business at Nebraska and the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

More information about the next cohort will be available by early 2027 on this page. Sign up for program updates below to be notified when the application window is open.

Sign Up for Program Updates