Another year has gone by, and once again, the signs that the economy might be turning the corner never materialized into any substantial improvements. Although the economic roller coaster has hurt some meat processors — particularly those on the poultry side — the smaller, independent operators have remained largely insulated from the changes. Even while dealing with increased raw-materials costs, regulatory issues and tighter consumer budgets, these companies continue to find niches that allow them to maintain, if not grow, their businesses.
One such company in the midst of a growth period is Western’s Smokehouse, located in Greentop, Mo. Sam Western, president, estimates that the company enjoyed around 10 percent growth in 2011. The company’s snack stick business has performed particularly well.