Religion and food go together like Easter and ham or Thanksgiving and turkey, but vegan activist groups are spinning scripture to persuade churchgoers to leave meat off their plate not just at every holiday, but at every meal.

In addition to evolving expectations, the segment most interested in responsible sourcing is very vocal. According to CFI research, one in four Americans is actively engaged in online conversations about the topic.

Many finished animals are still shipped to neighboring states for processing, but DemKota Ranch Beef, a packing plant in Aberdeen, S.D., is looking to keep a higher percentage of them close to home.

By their nature, family businesses are inherently susceptible to business breakups.

I like to say the food industry is a dynamic landscape of innovation. A case in point is how the basic business model is ever changing.

Even a well-established business has to be ready to adapt to change, either by necessity or choice. Tying all of your business to one particular niche is a great concept – as long as that niche remains profitable.

This article is intended to serve as a reminder of some of the more significant workplace issues that should equally bear serious consideration for resolution as we enter a new year.

Scott Sechler, owner of Bell & Evans, has led his company to become one of the premier chicken companies in the country, with premium prices, a loyal consumer following, and farmers lining up to grow chickens for the company.

To enhance their opportunity for success, every small and midsize meat processor should have a list of short-term (12 months or less) and long-term (1 year or longer) goals.

Having been through dozens of meat and poultry processing plants during the 12+ years I’ve been writing about this industry, there is one thing I have never seen: an identical workforce.