News

Wisconsin’s meat processing training remains popular

A Wisconsin program that trains new meat processors remains popular. 

Wisconsin continues to see demand for its Meat Talent Development Program training through universities, technical colleges, and partnering high schools.  Wisconsin Technical College System President Layla Merrifield tells Brownfield the programs remain full. “The demand from students is more than our capacity right now and so we’re continuing to provide grants at the system level to our colleges to make sure that they can keep up with that demand and enroll those students that are waiting.”

Mid-State Technical College President Shelly Mondeik says their meat talent development program offers night classes in partnering high school labs. “When we started out, I know the first class we had a wait list. It’s just been amazing.” The Mid-State Technical College meat cutting and butchery program has attracted students from out of state, and even some from Africa.

The Meat Talent Development Program began with support from the Governor and Legislature after identifying a need for more local processing during the pandemic.

Merrifield and Mondeik spoke to Brownfield during the Wisconsin Technical College Ag Day in Marshfield, Wisconsin Tuesday.

AUDIO: Wisconsin Technical College System President Layla Merrifield discusses the Meat Talent Development efforts through the Wisconsin technical colleges with Brownfield’s Larry Lee

AUDIO: Mid-State Technical College President Shelly Mondeik discusses the college’s meat cutting and butchery training program with Brownfield’s Larry Lee.