The Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO) has scheduled another of its popular Meat Plant Welfare Auditor Certification Training courses for April 30 to May 1 in Fremont and Schuyler, Neb.. The course will feature both classroom instruction and hands-on experience at the plants of Hormel Foods, Fremont, Neb., and Cargill Beef, Schuyler, Neb. Instructors for the sessions include Dr. Temple Grandin of Grandin Livestock Handling Systems; Dr. Jerome Lawler, professional auditor for Silliker Inc.; Dr. Kellye Pfalzgraf, director of the Office of Animal Well-Being for Tyson Foods Inc.; and Dr. Mike Siemens, beef program development director for Cargill. For more course information and registration materials go to PAACO’s website, www.animalauditor.org, or contact Mike Simpson, executive director, at (402) 403-0104; e-mail: mike@animalauditor.org.

The American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) convention will travel to Cincinnati, Ohio, for the 69th anniversary of their annual educational meeting and suppliers’ exhibition. The national gathering for small and very small meat, poultry, and food establishments will be held July 24to 26, 2008, at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza and the Duke Energy Center.

The three-day event will offer timely educational programs, a suppliers’ exhibition, the American Cured Meat Championships (ACMC), plus business networking and social opportunities for U.S., Canadian, and foreign company operators and their families. More than 100 exhibiting companies will provide information and consultation on a wide variety of equipment, seasonings, machinery, supplies and services.

AAMP sponsors the convention. Non-members of AAMP are encouraged to participate in this educational event as well.