April 2023

Plant-based proteins are changing the way consumers think about their snacking and mealtime choices. Check out our Plant-based Foods Special Report and learn how market preferences are interfacing with ingredient and formulation trends in this innovative category. Also in the April issue, don’t miss the Summer Grilling Preview and find out what’s hot for Americans’ favorite backyard pastime – plus much more!

Plant-based Foods Special Report: Seeds of growth

Fred Wilkinson

April 25, 2023

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On one hand, retail sales for plant-based meat analogs are limp, with combined sales for refrigerated and frozen plant-based meat alternatives down 9% year over year in February 2023, according to IRI point-of-sales data. In addition to dollar losses (the category racked up $84.8 million in sales for February), units sold and volume for meat alternatives also fell versus year-ago levels.

Washington State reinvigorates its meat science programs

WSU’s meat laboratory primarily serves the needs of local customers through offering custom slaughter and fabrication.

May 3, 2023

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The Department of Animal Sciences at Washington State University (WSU) with approximately 550 undergraduate students has recently reinvigorated its offering of meat science-focused classes, extension programs, and student opportunities.

Carl Ondrusek (from left), Amber Ondrusek, Joe Ondrusek and Rusty Ondrusek.

Five generations of leadership at Columbia Packing Co.

Company president Amber Ondrusek carries on the tradition that began under her great-grandfather, Josef Ondrusek.

Lacy Bates

May 2, 2023

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In the February issue of Independent Processor, I gave a brief background about a long-standing Southwest Meat Association’s (SMA) member of 50-plus years, Columbia Packing Co. Columbia Packing is an independent family-owned business, located in Ennis, Texas, approximately 40 miles south of Dallas along Interstate 45. Follow along to a quick Q&A interview Amber Ondrusek, the first woman president of Columbia Packing Co.

What’s hot for grilling in the summer of ‘23

Circana, 210 Analytics, BUBBA burger, Verde Farms, Hickory Nut Gap and Tyson Fresh Meats all share their takes on 2023 summer grilling trends and innovations.

Sammy Bredar

May 2, 2023

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As the summer months are fast-approaching, consumers, retailers and foodservice operators alike need to know what to expect for this year’s summer grilling trends. Circana, 210 Analytics, BUBBA burger, Verde Farms, Hickory Nut Gap and Tyson Fresh Meats all share their takes on 2023 summer grilling trends and innovations.

Processor Profile: Old methods create new opportunities for Wenzel's Farm

Wenzel's Farm operates out of the barn where the brand originated in 1949.

Sammy Bredar

May 1, 2023

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Mark Vieth, president of Wenzel’s Farm, has been with the company for nearly two decades. Vieth said that 19 years ago, he applied to an ad in the paper and began working as an accountant for Russ Wenzel.

Prairie View A&M University aims high with Meat Science Center

‘I want to put this program on the map,’ says Meat Science Center Director Dr. Lea Ann Kinman.

April 29, 2023

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Prairie View A&M University, located 45 miles northwest of Houston in Prairie View, Texas, has a brand-new Meat Science Center to continue the vision of the late Lindsey Weatherspoon, renowned College of Agriculture and Human Sciences professor who expanded meat science studies at PVAMU in the 1960’s.

Bugs matter: Integrated Pest Management in poultry preharvest food safety

Effective Integrated Pest Management programs can lower the potential spread of foodborne pathogens in poultry production.

April 30, 2023

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Most people can quickly spot the signs of a pest infestation in a poultry house: beetles crawling up the exterior walls, swarms of flies near piles of organic debris, or chewed-up litter by feed pans.

Born and raised with Wholesome Cos.

Wes Pence, president of Wholesome Cos., dives into the history of his family’s company, which started back in the 1960s.

Sammy Bredar

April 27, 2023

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Wes Pence, president of Wholesome Cos., said that he was born into Wholesome Foods since his mother and father first started the business.

Handlers need proper methods, tools and placement

Dr. Kurt Vogel shares his insights on how to ensure the humane handling of livestock.

Sammy Bredar

April 26, 2023

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When handling their livestock, operators must ensure the welfare of their animals. Dr. Kurt D. Vogel, director of the Humane Handling Institute and associate professor–animal welfare and behavior in the Department of Animal and Food Science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, discusses best practices and current issues related to humane handling.

magnifying glass,glasses and Insurance Policy letter

The proof is in the policy: Purchasing recall insurance is only half the battle

Costs associated with conducting a food recall can be staggering.

Shawn K. Stevens

April 28, 2023

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Each year, more and more food companies discover the critical importance of having good food product recall insurance. It is a topic I write about, and speak about, often.

The National Provisioner

Cover Story

Plant-based Foods Special Report: Seeds of growth

Feature Articles

Washington State reinvigorates its meat science programs

Five generations of leadership at Columbia Packing Co.

What’s hot for grilling in the summer of ‘23

Processor Profile: Old methods create new opportunities for Wenzel's Farm

Prairie View A&M University aims high with Meat Science Center

Bugs matter: Integrated Pest Management in poultry preharvest food safety

Born and raised with Wholesome Cos.

Handlers need proper methods, tools and placement

Columns

The proof is in the policy: Purchasing recall insurance is only half the battle

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