MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA

MPPTA ensures that participants in the USDA’s Meat & Poultry Supply Chain Programs have access to robust technical assistance.
MPPTA:

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

The Meat & Poultry Processing Technical Assistance (MPPTA) program provides free technical assistance to small and medium-scale meat and poultry processors nationwide with TA providers from seven different organizations, including;

-@AURIcomm (Agricultural Utilization Research Institute)
-@AAMPNews (American Association of Meat Processors)
-@MeatScience (American Meat Science Association
-@FlowerHillInst (Flower Hill Institute)
-@IACupdate (Intertribal Agriculture Council)
-Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network
-And, @TuskegeeUniv (Tuskegee University)

In addition to, the extended MPPTA network of partnering organizations dedicated to helping rural, historically marginalized farmers and other sectors of the agriculture industry, expanding MPPTA’s impact and farmer resources.

To watch this full length video about MPPTA technical assistance, you can access the full length overview on the FHI MPPTA webpage at https://t.co/dwMj6gq0YE!

Also, posted on the FHI YouTube channel at https://t.co/fuWgza7L1p.

#USDA #MPPTA #USDAMeatandPoultry #USDAFoodSupplyChain

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

USDA AMS Seeks Comments on Beef Grading Standards

The US Department of Agriculture (#USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking input from the public and stakeholders on how the US Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef may be updated to better serve the needs of industry, large volume food buyers and modern consumers. USDA said that since the last update to the beef grading standards has been implemented, beef production and quality assessment methods have changed significantly, as have consumer preferences.

As such, USDA requests comments including data, recommendations and other information from stakeholders so that the beef grading standards can incorporate necessary updates to maintain relevance and meet consumer needs.

AMS develops and maintains official grade standards for beef carcasses, which measure factors such as meat yield, fat covering, ribeye area, degrees of marbling and carcass defects such as dark cutting beef and blood splash. The standards are applied to determine the quality of the product, and are not a reflection of wholesomeness, which is determined by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) prior to the grading process.

Beef producers, packers, wholesalers, food manufacturers, foodservice operators, food retailers and consumers rely on USDA’s voluntary beef grading services to ensure that requirements are met for quality and other factors. USDA grading offers an independent third-party opinion on product quality based on the USDA requirements to help producers market their products and assures buyers that the quality meets or exceeds those standards.

Read the US Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef here: https://t.co/qIKNFJ7GIN

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

The aging of America's agricultural population has been a growing concern for decades. The average farmer is now over 58 years old. Rural businesses, likewise, are suffering as one generation retires with no one following behind.

Anyone ready to throw in the towel on the future of young people in rural communities should attend an American Association of Meat Processors (#AAMP) convention for a jolt of optimism. AAMP bills its annual gathering as a family affair. That’s no overstatement.

Read the full #MPPTA blog at: https://t.co/JtiR6FT7H8

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

The University of Wisconsin’s Humane Handling Institute is offering two upcoming workshops to help processors improve the handling of livestock during the slaughter process.

Humane Handling and Stunning Workshop:
Hands-on training and teaches proper livestock handling and stunning techniques
🗓️ September 17-18
📍UW River Falls Campus in River Falls, WI
💲The cost of the two-day session is $1,000

Stunning Equipment Maintenance and Testing Workshop
Teaches maintaining, repairing & bench testing captive bolt & electrical stunning equipment
🗓️ October 8
📍UW River Falls Campus in River Falls, WI
💲Enrollment cost is $750

More information on the workshops can be found on the institute’s website: https://t.co/8CVuwp62qu

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

Farmer Veteran Coalition Sets Stakeholder Gathering Oct. 25-27 in Virginia

“Scaling Sustainability: Practical Innovation for Small and Mid-Sized Veteran Farms” is the theme of the 2026 Farmer Veteran Coalition Stakeholder Conference, scheduled for October 26-27 at the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center Woodlands Hotel & Suites.

The Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference is the largest national annual gathering of the agriculture and military communities and features three days of education, distinguished speakers, guest panels, networking, a farm tour, camaraderie, and much more.

Each year, Farmer Veterans from across the country representing all branches of service and service eras, who are engaged in a wide range of agricultural endeavors with varying levels of experience, descend upon the host city for this important event.

More information on the annual stakeholders conference is available here: https://t.co/AMw9ZGMb9b

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

MPPEP 4 Applications Due August 7th

Just over two weeks remain for beef processors to submit applications for Round Four of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program grants. The Program offers two categories of grant funding:

1️⃣ Processing Expansion Projects. Awards will range from $50,000 to $2 million to support a range of activities to increase and diversify processing capacity of American meat and poultry, including equipment-only purchases over $250,000, and necessary improvements, upgrades, renovations or retrofits to an existing facility needed to install the equipment. A match requirement of 50 percent of the project cost is required for Processing Expansion Projects.

2️⃣ Simplified Equipment-Only Projects. Awards will range from $10,000 to $250,000 for projects that only request the cost of equipment and do not include renovation, labor, installation, or certification costs. A match requirement of 25 percent of the project cost is required for Simplified Equipment-Only Projects.

The #MPPTA team at Flower Hill Institute is providing technical assistance on application preparation. Submit a request for assistance at: https://t.co/yzx398g5Hr

#USDAMeatandPoultry #MPPEP

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

Developing a small meat processing facility probably isn’t what the average person would envision for post-retirement. Dave Endicott didn’t envision it either.

Yet, five years after stepping down from a career in higher education, he is overseeing the grand opening of a new processing facility established by Minnesota Farmers Union Foundation in Staples, MN.

“Originally, this was just going to be two Friesla trailers (modular units to be used as a training program),” Endicott said. “After the Pandemic, it was evident that there was more need.”

“What started as a mobile slaughter trailer grew into a 50-ft. harvest trailer that is now housed in a 10,000 sq/ft. processing facility,” he explained. The new enterprise is coming to fruition with substantial outside support.

In addition to the grant funding that helped underwrite the construction costs, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has been instrumental in guiding them through the process of obtaining a Grant of Inspection. Endicott said that he has also relied on Flower Hill Institute Regional Director Chris Roper for advice throughout the process of constructing the facility and acquiring the equipment.

Read their full story at: https://t.co/IYqFGwIKcv

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

Iowa State Offers Beef Processing Short Course for September 8-10

Registration is now open for the Iowa State University Fresh Beef Processing Short Course, which is designed to offer a hands-on experience for participants who have an interest in expanding their knowledge of the beef processing industry.

Enrollment for this course is limited to enable participants to participate in hands-on activities and have ample opportunities to interact speakers and staff and have their questions answered. Iowa State University’s modern Meat Laboratory allows participants to observe demonstrations utilizing the latest technology.

This short course is designed for persons working in the meat processing industry with a focus on harvest, fabrication, and processing of beef. It will also provide valuable information for those in live animal production, marketing, food production, supplier, and other industries related to fresh beef.

More information, and course registration, is available here: https://t.co/ojHLt345Tw.

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

#MPPTA Toolkit Offers Overview of All Open USDA Grant and Loan Opportunities

Flower Hill Institute regularly updates an overview of USDA grant and local opportunities available to smaller meat processors. This document lists the purpose of each grant, along with information on eligibility, funding levels, and the application process.

To access the USDA Grant and Loan Overview, simply click here: https://t.co/0CUFCUChbw

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

Train the Trainer HACCP Course Opportunity

The American Meat Science Association (AMSA), in partnership with the International HACCP Alliance, will offer a Train the Trainer HACCP course:
🗓️ July 28-30, 2026
📍Kansas City, MO

Successful completion of the course results in recognition as a Lead Instructor by the International HACCP Alliance, allowing participants to develop and deliver HACCP training courses upon approval by the Alliance. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants

The three-day session will be held at the Embassy Suites Kansas City Airport. The training begins at 9 a.m. on the 28th, and wraps up at noon on the 30th. The $1,000 registration fee includes course materials, participant binder, breakfasts, breaks, and lunches. Eligible university personnel and qualified very small, small, and medium-sized processors may qualify for a reduced $500 registration rate through USDA's Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA). Participants are responsible for travel and lodging expenses.

A room block set aside for the conference offers lodging at $134/night if reserved by July 6th at the Embassy Suites Kansas City Airport. Ask for the 2026 AMSA Train the Trainer Course rate.

For questions or to inquire about discount eligibility, contact Mya Alford at [email protected] or Dr. Rob Maddock [email protected].

Click here to register and reserve your space: https://t.co/ocqU6t19Ws

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

It began with a 15-liter hand-cranked stuffer. That’s where Maarten Van Zoeren of Simla Frozen Food Locker in southeastern Colorado pins the birth of his meat processing business.

Maarten came to the United States in 1990 at the age of 15 when his parents immigrated from the Netherlands to the small eastern Colorado community of Simla. They bought a frozen food locker there and began processing local meat.

Maarten didn’t have the financial resources for college and couldn’t enlist in the military because he was born overseas, so he focused on growing the business his parents had acquired.

He measures that growth in meat stuffers. Read more about his story here: https://t.co/LC9VcFSrMI

#MPPTA #USDAMeatandPoultry

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

Farm Aid has announced that its 2026 festival is set for September 26th at the Veterans United Home Loan Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, VA.

The festival is best known for its dynamic lineup of musical talent, but the day-long event seeks to promote HOMEGROWN food and agricultural experiences for attendees. A major component of the festival is the HOMEGROWN Village, where nonprofit organizations committed to local food and sustainable agriculture connect with farmers and city-dwellers alike. Flower Hill Institute has participated in the HOMEGROWN Village since 2022.

Headlining the musical portion of the event will be Farm Aid Board Members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Margo Price and Nathaniel Ratliff 🎶

All funds generated by Farm Aid are dedicated to supporting organizations advocating for family farmers and ranchers. More information here: https://t.co/7OKdSu7KOk

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

Iowa State Offers Beef Processing Short Course for September 8-10

Registration is now open for the Iowa State University Fresh Beef Processing Short Course, which is designed to offer a hands-on experience for participants who have an interest in expanding their knowledge of the beef processing industry.

Enrollment for this course is limited to enable participants to participate in hands-on activities and have ample opportunities to interact speakers and staff and have their questions answered. Iowa State University’s modern Meat Laboratory allows participants to observe demonstrations utilizing the latest technology.

This short course is designed for persons working in the meat processing industry with a focus on harvest, fabrication, and processing of beef. It will also provide valuable information for those in live animal production, marketing, food production, supplier, and other industries related to fresh beef.

More information, and course registration, is available here: https://t.co/ojHLt345Tw.

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

After Getting Buffaloed, Bison Business Learned Marketing Lessons

Meat and poultry processors seeking lessons in diversification need look no further than the U.S. bison business. Twenty-five years ago, the bison business looked like a giant pyramid scheme. Prices for live animals escalated dramatically in the 1990’s as ranchers competed to build their herds with the limited number of animals available. By 1999, prices for breeding stock had reached unsustainable heights, with the grand champion breeding bull selling for $101,000 at the National Bison Association’s annual Gold Trophy sale.

Just as the auction prices were skyrocketing, processors’ freezers were bursting with unsold meat. When the bubble burst, the entire sector entered an economic meltdown, with the grand champion breeding bull selling for $5,800 in 2022.

Read more at: https://t.co/nka9wBeQmd

#MPPTA #USDAMeatandPoultry #BisonBusiness

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

Train the Trainer HACCP Course Opportunity

The American Meat Science Association (AMSA), in partnership with the International HACCP Alliance, will offer a Train the Trainer HACCP course:
🗓️ July 28-30, 2026
📍Kansas City, MO

Successful completion of the course results in recognition as a Lead Instructor by the International HACCP Alliance, allowing participants to develop and deliver HACCP training courses upon approval by the Alliance. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants

The three-day session will be held at the Embassy Suites Kansas City Airport. The training begins at 9 a.m. on the 28th, and wraps up at noon on the 30th. The $1,000 registration fee includes course materials, participant binder, breakfasts, breaks, and lunches. Eligible university personnel and qualified very small, small, and medium-sized processors may qualify for a reduced $500 registration rate through USDA's Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA). Participants are responsible for travel and lodging expenses.

A room block set aside for the conference offers lodging at $134/night if reserved by July 6th at the Embassy Suites Kansas City Airport. Ask for the 2026 AMSA Train the Trainer Course rate.

For questions or to inquire about discount eligibility, contact Mya Alford at [email protected] or Dr. Rob Maddock [email protected].

Click here to register and reserve your space: https://t.co/G4HXVoPY8s

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

Someone once said, “Meat processing isn’t rocket science; it’s more difficult.”

Smaller meat processors have certainly been navigating challenges in recent years that would vex the brightest aerospace engineers. Coming out of the pandemic, a severe slaughter capacity shortage threatened the viability of many ranchers. Then, just as more slaughter capacity began to emerge, Mother Nature brought on a drought that—along with screwworm and other factors—has reduced the nation’s cattle herd to the lowest level in more than a decade. And byproduct disposal is a persistent problem that keeps smaller processors at a competitive disadvantage.

Throw in the impact of tariffs on equipment and construction costs, and rising energy prices, and many processors are ready to shout, “Houston, we have a problem!”

A new grant opportunity from USDA Rural Development can help provide a lifeline to existing beef processors seeking to diversify their businesses and increase revenue from the entire carcass.

The recently announced MPPEP IV grant targets $60 million in funding to assist with equipment purchases, support employee training, help processors with HACCP plans and SSOPs, and expand the ability to increase byproduct utilization.

Read more here: https://t.co/p10C69SChi

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

USDA FSIS Plans Two Small Plant Listening Sessions

#FSIS is launching a series of small plant engagement sessions to be held alongside industry events many establishments already plan to attend.

1️⃣ The initial session is scheduled for 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 24 at West Texas A&M Campus in Canyon, TX in conjunction with the American Meat Science Association's Reciprocal Meat Conference.

2️⃣ The second session will be held in Milwaukee, WI in conjunction with the American Association of Meat Processors annual meeting July 9-11. The exact time and date have not been finalized.

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

CoBank Opens Co-op Start Grant Program Application Period

CoBank has started accepting applications for the 2026 Co-op Start Grant Program which supports the establishment or growth of cooperatives in the agricultural and food distribution space. The grant matches up to $50,000 of member equity raised, and a grant in the amount of 50% of the co-op's grant will be awarded to the co-op development organization providing technical assistance.

Flower Hill Institute is a recognized cooperative development organization eligible to submit a grant application on behalf of a new or expanding cooperative receiving technical assistance through the #MPPTA program.

Applications are due ⏰ Monday, August 31, 2026 ⏰. Awards will be announced in October. Anyone interested in applying may contact Flower Hill Institute for more information: https://t.co/qrzs0KVH6w

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will hold a webinar for meat and poultry processors to learn how they can expand their capacity through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (#MPPEP). The webinar is open to the public and will take place:
🗓️ June 16, 2026, at
⏰ 2 p.m. EST.

Interested participants may register here: https://t.co/wiyVE4WZcH

#USDAMeatandPoultry #MPPTA #MPPEP4 #MeatandPoultryProcessing

During the session, participants will hear a comprehensive overview of MPPEP Phase 4 from program experts and learn how this competitive grant program can support the American beef industry and strengthen local meat and poultry supply chains.

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

Profitability Begins with Understanding Performance

#MPPTA partner, Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN), in collaboration with Good Roots Consulting, developed a valuable new tool for processors wanting to measure costs and revenue last year in a document entitled "The Importance of Key Performance Indicators for Meat Processors."

This document is a must-read, packed with gold nuggets that can help smaller processors take a fresh look at the factors within their plants that are impacting performance and profitability.

Full report here: https://t.co/J384ny9DYR
Webinar here: https://t.co/w5LoTyFZlm

#USDAMeatandPoultry #KPIs #MeatProcessing

[MPPTA - Meat & Poultry Processing TA @MeatPoultry_TA]

#MPPTA Toolkit Offers Overview of All Open USDA Grant and Loan Opportunities

Flower Hill Institute regularly updates an overview of USDA grant and local opportunities available to smaller meat processors. This document lists the purpose of each grant, along with information on eligibility, funding levels, and the application process.

To access the USDA Grant and Loan Overview, simply click here: https://t.co/TZU6XmRGZs