Small Meat Processing Management Training Program

Program Overview

Nebraska Extension, UNL's Center for Agricultural Profitability and UNL's Department of Animal Science's Meat Science program will host their 2025 Meat Processing Management Training program for owners, managers, and management-track employees of small meat processing plants, from June-November 2025.

The program is centered around a weeklong in-person experience, to be held Sept. 7-13, 2025, 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. It also includes two virtual meetings (pre- and post-program) as well as a virtual HACCP certification training. The program aims to help managers build their knowledge of the industry, their employees, financial management, and more.

Custom exempt and federally inspected plants are encouraged to apply. Up to two people per plant will be accepted.

Application and Enrollment

To apply, please complete this application by June 7, 2025.

Fee: When participants are accepted into the program, a fee of $6,750 will be due by June 30, 2025. This is a per-plant fee and covers up to two participants.

Covered Expenses: The program will cover all related expenses for participants, including airfare, ground transportation, meals, and lodging. One double queen bed hotel room will be provided per plant. If a plant would like to purchase an additional room, they are required to cover the added cost. 

Program Curriculum

In-person meetings: The program will hold a series of in-person meetings from Sept. 7-13, 2025, on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus

Virtual meetings: The program also includes three required virtual events:

• A pre-program meeting on Aug. 1, 2025 (approximately two hours)
• A mandatory HACCP certification training, Aug. 19, Aug. 20, and Aug. 21, 2025 — 11 a.m.-4 p.m. CT.  each day
• An end-of-program follow-up meeting on Oct. 30, 2025 (approximately two hours)

Site visit: Plants that complete the program will be eligible for an on-site financial consulting visit, subject to availability. 

Tentative schedule for in-person events, Sept. 7-13, 2025:
All events Central time and at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus (except where noted). Transportation and food will be provided each day.

• Sunday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m.: Arrival deadline at Lincoln or Omaha airport for all out of town participants (transportation will be provided) 
• Sunday, Sept 7, 3 p.m.: Executive Leadership Training
• Monday, Sept. 8, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Finance and Tracking Throughput
• Tuesday, Sept. 9, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Fresh Meat Processing and Value-Added Strategies
• Wednesday, Sept. 10, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Area Plant Tours
• Thursday, Sept. 11, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Human Resources and Pricing Strategies
• Friday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Marketing Strategy and Lean Manufacturing
• Saturday, Sept. 13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.: Marketing Plan Development and Wrap Up
• Saturday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m.: Depart

Application Process for 2025 Small Meat Processing Managment Training Program

Custom exempt, federally inspected, and state inspected plants are invited to apply. Up to two participants per each plant may be accepted. Opportunities are limited and we regret that we cannot accept every applicant into the program. Applicants will be notified of their status by June 13, 2025. Required paperwork and the program fee payment of $6,750 must be received by June 30, 2025 to participate. All payments are final and no refunds will be given, even in cases where participants do not compelte the program. 

Apply here by June 7, 2025:

Application

Questions?

Contact:

Dr. Elliott Dennis
Associate Professor, Livestock Marketing Specialist
elliott.dennis@unl.edu
402-472-2164

Dr. Gary Sullivan
Professor, Meat Science
gary.sullivan@unl.edu
402-472-6430

Dr. Jordan Wicks
Assistant Professor, Meat Science
jwicks4@unl.edu
402-474-0537
 

Video

Hear from participants in the 2024 Small Meat Processor Management Training Program

2024 Program Overview:

Processor Feature: Yellowstone River Beef — Williston, North Dakota

Processor Feature: Salt River Meat Co. — Afton, Wyoming