Conferences
Strengthening Local Meat Systems Through Multi-Faceted Educational Strategies
Paul Kuber, Sarah Lemon, and Sarah Smith
Summary
This USDA-NIFA-ERME-MPP funded project addresses critical challenges faced by small-scale meat producers and processors in Washington State by implementing a multi-faceted educational and resource development strategy. Through collaboration with Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and industry partners, the initiative launched a series of targeted programs designed to improve operational efficiency, market access, and profitability while promoting animal well-being and food safety. Beginning with pilot sessions at the 2023 Tilth Alliance Conference, the project utilized interactive workshops, meat fabrication demonstrations, and facilitated discussions to capture participant insights around five core objectives: animal health and meat quality, consumer preferences and market trends, processing efficiencies, customer communication, and cost analysis for profitability. Data collection employed both free-form prioritization exercises and structured retrospective surveys, enabling iterative refinement of curriculum and resource development. Over the course of 2024, the team conducted multiple one-day producer and processor sessions statewide, supplemented by USDA processor interviews and modified programming at the Northwest Indian Agriculture Summit to enhance engagement. These efforts informed the creation of deliverables for the WA Meat-Up website and shaped advanced programming, including the WA Meat-Up Summit and five webinars held in spring 2025. Topics ranged from regenerative grazing and transparent branding to meat quality, nutrition, and business evolution. This adaptive approach demonstrates the value of responsive programming and stakeholder-driven resource development in strengthening local meat systems and supporting long-term sustainability for producers and processors.
Details
| Conference | 2026 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference |
| Presentation Type | 30-Minute Concurrent |