LINCOLN, NEB. — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) announced the Nebraska Extension’s 2025 Small Meat Processor Management Training Program will kick off Sept. 7-13 at the university’s East Campus.

Small meat processing operators from across the country are invited to apply. Joining a cohort of other processors, participants will have the chance to enhance their skills and industry knowledge.

“This program is set up to provide small processors with the practical, actionable tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the industry while building confidence in a continuous growth mindset,” said Elliott Dennis, associate professor in agricultural economics at UNL.

Sessions will provide insight into a profitable business strategy by better understanding the industry, employees and financial management. The course includes a pre- and post-program virtual meeting as well as a required virtual Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points certification training.

Designed and led by faculty from UNL’s Center for Agricultural Profitability and Meat Science program, the training program was produced in collaboration with the College of Business and Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

Leading experts from other university departments and the industry will cover a range of topics from business operations to processing practices, data optimization, retail strategies, regulatory compliance, human resources, marketing and more.

The program is tailored for owners, managers and management-track employees of small meat processing plants, with custom-exempt, federally inspected and state-inspected plants invited to apply. Participants of all experience levels are welcome.

“We’ve worked with plant managers and owners with decades of experience, and we’ve worked with people who are brand new to the industry,” said Gary Sullivan, UNL professor of meat science. “They all have gained something new from this program to improve their business, and the varied backgrounds really add to the group learning experience.”

One day of the program will be dedicated to touring meat processing plants in eastern Nebraska — a valuable opportunity for others in the industry to gain new perspectives, according to Jordan Wicks, assistant professor of meat science at UNL.

“It’s important for us to get out of the classroom and meat lab on campus because stepping inside another facility and seeing how they operate sparks ideas and inspires participants to address bottlenecks and issues in their own businesses,” he said.

An all-inclusive per-plant fee of $6,750 will cover up to two participants. The program will cover transportation, lodging and meal expenses.

Interested processors have until June 7 to apply. Applications are available, along with more details about the program, on the Nebraska Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website.