Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

A feasibility study for the creation of a meat processing training program in Iowa

Project ID: M2009-28

Abstract

The unique needs of Iowa's small meat processors include more educational opportunities. This project explored how to provide additional training to these important rural businesses.

Key Question: Is it feasible to develop a small meat processing curriculum in Iowa?

Findings: Advancing a small meat processing curriculum in Iowa has the potential to positively impact the viability and number of small meat processing firms in Iowa. Iowa farmers stand to benefit in two ways. Maintaining the current number of firms impacts farmers who raise livestock slated for custom meat markets by making it easier for their animals to be processed close to where they are raised, thus reducing transportation and labor costs. Additionally, farmers negatively impacted by white-tailed deer depredation benefit when deer hunters are able to take their harvested animals to be custom processed, which helps to hold deer herd densities in check.

Lead investigator: Joel Peterson, Webster City Area Development

Co-Investigator(s):

Jean Eells, E Resources Group

Year of grant completion: 2011

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Marketing Initiative.

Topics: Business management, distribution and marketing, Market research and feasibility studies, Supply networks