The Board of Directors of the Northwest Meat Processors Association recently voted in favor of inviting processors from the state of Utah into its ranks. The association now represents the interests of meat and poultry processors in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Utah.

"We welcomed processors from all over Utah to our annual convention in 2023 and we are so pleased with the positive response we received from the professionals in that region,” said Troy Wilcox, executive director for the NWMPA. “Great people from generational meat processing businesses joined us, and our association has been better for it. They have come back year after year with their numbers growing annually.

"They have been looking for a group to advocate for them and we are happy to welcome them into the Northwest Meat Processors Association. This will allow their students to join our Ron Richards Scholarship opportunities, and we will look for ways that we can advocate for them as we have for our members in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. We have represented meat processors in this region since 1971, and we are happy to see that representation growing."

The NWMPA, a state affiliate of the American Association of Meat Processors, works for the betterment of the meat industry in the Pacific Northwest. The association advocates for its members in state and federal legislative matters, offers educational opportunities through seminars and plant tours and offers a Meat Cutters Apprenticeship Program. The association also hosts an annual convention and a cured meats show.

The idea to bring Utah into the association was presented at the 2025 NWMPA convention in Yakima, Wash. The 2026 convention will take place on March 19-21 at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho.

"Being a part of the NWMPA is a total game changer for Utah Producers,” said Nathan Bingham, owner of Bingham’s Custom Meats in Morgan, Utah, and treasurer of the Butchers of America. “The demand for an association in Utah is strong across the entire state. The NWMPA has a great reputation for inclusion and education. Their focus on building the industry and community is what attracts meat processors in Utah. We have been welcomed from the beginning, and I look forward to what Utah can add to this great association."

Troy Bird, Utah State University Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences, meat lab manager said that the decision will provide much-needed support and networking opportunities for processors in Utah. “The NWMPA has a great reputation for inclusion and education. Their focus on building the industry and community is what attracts meat processors in Utah. We have been welcomed from the beginning, and I look forward to what Utah can add to this great association,” Bird said.

Source: Northwest Meat Processors Association