Meat Processors Workshop Scheduled for November 7 to Support Small Business Growth and Transitions
The Meat Processor Business Lifecycle Workshop, organized by Iowa State University’s Enterprise Development team, will be held on November 7 at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames.
This full-day workshop, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will equip small-scale meat processors with essential strategies for managing business growth, transitioning ownership, and understanding regulatory requirements critical to the meat processing industry.
With the rising consumer demand for locally sourced meat, new processors are stepping into the market to fill the niche, addressing community needs while providing fresh products.
However, the business model, though smaller in scale compared to large commodity processors, comes with unique operational challenges that require owners to be well-versed in both industry standards and local market demands.
The workshop’s curriculum aims to address these needs, guiding processors through crucial decisions at each phase of their business journey, whether they’re considering expanding, planning retirement, or transitioning ownership.
Topics will include federal, state, and local regulations that play into the feasibility of starting or expanding meat processing facilities. When acquiring a facility or considering a new build, processors must assess these regulatory factors to ensure compliance and avoid costly errors.
Additionally, workshop sessions will cover the financial and tax implications associated with business transitions—an essential consideration for owners looking to exit or hand over their business to new management.
Osage Development Specialist Ethan Bowers emphasized the importance of strategic planning for business longevity.
“Every stage of the business lifecycle presents unique challenges,” Bowers noted. “Our goal is to provide meat processors with the information they need to make well-informed decisions, helping them thrive in a competitive landscape.”
Attendees can register online at $25 until October 27, with fees increasing to $35 until the final deadline on November 6.
The fee includes a light breakfast and lunch, fostering a day of networking and knowledge-sharing among industry peers. For more information or specific inquiries, contact Ethan Bowers at [email protected].
Supported by a USDA-NIFA grant, this initiative by Iowa State underscores the growing importance of sustainable, locally-driven meat processing operations and the need for educational resources that can help small processors make a lasting impact in their communities.
Looking to support local meat businesses and understand their unique challenges? Head to our homepage for more valuable information.
