Independent Processor

North Carolina grants support expanded meat processing capacity

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:00:38 -0400

Projects related to meat production account for $3.1 million of the grant total.

Western Heritage Meat Co. founder steps back from day-to-day operations

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:54:13 -0400

Board for Western Heritage Meat Co. appoints Beth Hebert as chief executive officer and Brian McGuire as chief operations officer.

USDA's Justin Ransom discusses the Small Processors Action Plan

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:08:31 -0400

Food safety focus shapes outreach to small processors.

USDA rolls out SPUR program for small and mid-size beef processors

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:00:52 -0400

USDA introduces the Strengthening Processing for US Ranchers Program to provide up to $500 million in payments for eligible beef processors who have faced increased costs of acquiring cattle for processing.

The Farm To You co-founder details launch strategy for producer-focused meat marketplace

bredars@bnpmedia.com (Sammy Bredar) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:30:45 -0400

The Farm To You builds a direct-to-consumer platform centered on independent producers, curated meat boxes and regional supply chains.

Cleaver: All-in-one software built for independent meat processors

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:55:34 -0400

Software platform, designed exclusively for butcher shops and meat processors, follows an animal from drop-off through cutting, packaging and pickup.

Indiana meat association receives one-year extension for USDA-funded loan program

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:15:58 -0400

Indiana loan funds support processing expansion, equipment upgrades, infrastructure improvements and other operational needs to enhance processing capacity and efficiency.

Mobile app streamlines producer access to Remote Grading Program for Beef

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:05:26 -0400

USDA launches mobile app to offer cattle producers and processors easier, secure access to official grading services.

Eighteen Wisconsin meat processors receive grants through state program

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:00:50 -0400

Grants aim to help local meat processors modernize and grow their businesses, produce new products or expand their markets, while improving profitability and sustaining the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s meat processing facilities.

What does ‘value’ mean to today’s beef consumer?

bredars@bnpmedia.com (Sammy Bredar) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Despite elevated prices, the beef category sees strong growth as consumers prioritize protein, perceived value, and convenience.

Processors large and small embrace co-packing opportunities

wilkinsonf@bnpmedia.com (Fred Wilkinson) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Co‑branded products enable retailers to offer differentiated value, reinforce quality perception and keep the protein category engaging in a highly competitive perimeter environment.

Evergood Sausage’s next chapter builds on 100 years of consistency

bredars@bnpmedia.com (Sammy Bredar) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400

San Francisco processor reflects on hardwood smoking, traditional production methods and maintaining product identity across generations.

87th annual AAMP Convention offers attendees new products and the opportunity for new connections

wilkinsonf@bnpmedia.com (Fred Wilkinson) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:38:44 -0400

American Cured Meat Championships are always a highlight for AAMP Convention, and this year's competition includes a fresh class featuring fresh bratwurst products.

Episode 231: Better For Butchery CEO talks facility acquisition and strategic vision for a local meat economy

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:29:21 -0400

Better For Butchery shifts from a DTC‑focused meat business into a platform‑scale processing, co‑packing, cold‑storage and fulfillment hub.

PromarksVac introduces PRSK-420M-240 Thermoforming Skin Pack Rollstock Machine

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:20:04 -0400

PRSK-420M-240 aims to enhance visual appeal of packaged products, including meat, dairy, seafood and ready-to-eat items.

Where the Meat Industry Meets: SMA’s 70th Annual Convention

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Four-day event brings together packers, processors, suppliers and service providers for education and relationship-building.

USDA unveils Small Processors Action Plan

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:01 -0400

Action plan targets regulatory clarity, customer service improvements and easier navigation of USDA requirements.

Episode 228: Legacy Maker Farms repositions beef as a catalyst for interpersonal connection

Thu, 28 May 2026 07:00:42 -0400

Legacy Maker Farms leaders Steve Hershberger and Ian Baer discuss the company's new ownership, rebranding, and AI-driven strategy.

Last change to register for the inaugural Artisanal Meat Processing Workshop

Wed, 27 May 2026 14:18:34 -0400

Workshop features four in-plant demonstrations taking place in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery USDA Inspected processing plant.

Weaver Meats expansion, equipment upgrades boost co-packing and private-label meat snack production

Tue, 26 May 2026 09:40:42 -0400

Latest expansion brings the company’s facility to more than 40,000 square feet of processing space.

Farmers, butchers and industry experts to gather at Midwest Meat Summit

Wed, 13 May 2026 08:10:53 -0400

Event connects every part of the meat supply chain as demand for local meat grows.

GEA introduces PowerPak 5000 thermoformer for mid-range food packaging applications

Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:53 -0400

At interpack 2026, GEA launches the PowerPak 5000, a thermoforming packaging machine for producers that need several different pack sizes.

A wave of meat policy bills moves through Congress

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Bills address issues including beef labeling transparency, international trade, expansion of small meat processors and state inspection authority.

UW-Madison hosts short course on artisanal meat processing

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:30:51 -0400

University of Wisconsin – Madison takes a comprehensive approach to old world meat products, blends classroom discussion and interactive manufacturing demonstrations in the Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery USDA pilot plant.

How convenience is driving summer grilling innovation in 2026

bredars@bnpmedia.com (Sammy Bredar) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Demand for high-quality, convenience-driven formats bolsters consumer interest in grilling throughout the week.

Carefully curated merchandising helps small processors stay competitive in the meat case

bredars@bnpmedia.com (Sammy Bredar) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Merchandising strategies evolve beyond traditional pricing and placement.

Small Batch Farms enters direct-to-consumer market with online beef boutique launch

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:05:51 -0400

Missouri-based family beef farm goes direct to consumer with clean-label, grain-finished beef and beef jerky.

Manchester Farms grows from a backyard hobby to a national supplier of quail meat

wilkinsonf@bnpmedia.com (Fred Wilkinson) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Manchester Farms’ recent annual sales totaled more than 2 million quail and nearly 48 million quail eggs.

Meat Industry Suppliers Alliance Foundation Scholarship Program awarding multiple $10,000 scholarships

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:27:34 -0400

Scholarships are awarded to junior and senior undergraduates as well as master's and Ph.D. candidates studying engineering or meat sciences at North American universities.

Episode 224: Albers Craft Meats examines beef buying trends

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:55:22 -0400

The National Provisioner sits down with Blake Albers, founder and CEO of Nebraska-based Albers Craft Meats, to discuss whole-animal utilization, value-added products, and consumer price sensitivity.