It comes as no surprise that the companies in the Top 75 Report always seem to have something new going on. Whether it's a new product rollout, a plant expansion or the addition of some new equipment, they are continually looking for the next opportunity or growth market.
Before I started writing about meat processing, I spent several years covering the woodworking industry. For much of that time, I focused on custom woodworkers. Although I never learned how to operate a bandsaw or program a router, I did get to see some true artisans in action.
The meat-processing industry, as evidenced by the Top 100 Report, continues to be both extremely stable in some aspects and wildly erratic in others. The companies at the top of the list — Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill Meat Solutions and Smithfield Foods — did not break rank from last year.
Recent history has shown that whenever the meat industry gets into the headlines, little good can come from it. The most recent example has been the “pink slime” nonsense that has turned a perfectly usable and good product into a taboo item.
This month, I’d like to talk about the little critter you see in the photo to the right. I’m doing this for a couple reasons. First, as a new dad, it’s my right to brag about the new baby. Second, I wanted to introduce you to your newest future customer.