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.

The program is conducted in collaboration with the College of Business at Nebraska and the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

Application and Enrollment

To apply, please complete application by June 15, 2025.

Fee: When participants are accepted into the program, an ALL-INCLUSIVE fee of $3,800 will be due by June 30, 2025. This is a per-plant fee and covers up to two participants and all related expenses, including lodging, meals, and transportation.

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.

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