Published Nov 26, 2024

Butchers, Farmers and Meat Industry Experts Invited to First-Ever Midwest Meat Summit
By Elizabeth Wilhelm
Event gathers every part of the meat supply chain for two days of learning and networking

Contact: Elizabeth Wilhelm | Senior Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | elizabeth.wilhelm@practicalfarmers.org

AMES, Iowa (Nov. 26, 2024) — Butchers, farmers, meat industry experts and more are invited to attend the first-ever Midwest Meat Summit, an event bringing together every part of the meat supply chain to learn and network.

The event, hosted by Practical Farmers of Iowa, begins on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 1:30 p.m. and runs through Friday, Jan. 10, at 11 a.m. Happening just ahead of PFI’s 2025 Annual Conference, the summit will also be held at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

“There are plenty of conferences for specific parts of the meat industry – farmers, processors, regulators – but few spaces where these groups can really connect and collaborate,” says Margaret Chamas, PFI’s livestock viability manager. “The event will bridge gaps and increase collaboration between the different players in the meat industry, all while focusing on Midwest-specific challenges.”

The summit is part of a national series of events dedicated to supporting meat value chains, from the pasture to the plate. Attendees will learn about topics including regenerative supply chain management, food safety research and updates, marketing, farmer-to-processor communication and the latest trends in online sales strategies.

 

The agenda features concurrent tracks oriented towards farmers and processors, though the information is relevant to all. Sessions include:

  • “Nourishing Your Community and Your Business” | TJ Swiecichowski
  • “Demystifying Poultry Processing” | Dr. Kristyn Van Donselaar
  • “Pricing and Marketing Direct-to-Consumer Meat” | Matt LeRoux
  • “Ecosystem-Oriented Supply Chain Management” | Diane Christofore and Delicia Garcia-Hernandez
  • “Technology and Trends in Meat Sales” | Katie Olthoff
  • “Organic Certification Opens Market Opportunities for Processors” | Dave Carter
  • “How (Not) To Start a Producer-Owned Meat-Processing Cooperative” | April Prusia and Heidi Hoff
  • “Getting Serious With Salmonella” | Dr. Sara Gragg
  • “Ask Your Processor Panel” | John Hogeland, Delicia Garcia-Hernandez, Ty Gustafson and Lily Cooper
  • “Cooperative Interstate Shipment: What Is It and What Are the Rules?” | Dr. Kathryn Polking

 

Most speakers will also offer 15-30 minute sessions to address individual questions from attendees. Here, attendees can visit one-on-one to get tailored information for their own unique situations.

 

The cost to attend is $110 per person. For full conference details and to register, visit midwestmeatsummit.com. For questions, contact Margaret Chamas at (515) 232-5661 or margaret.chamas@practicalfarmers.org.

 

The National Meat Summit Steering Committee work is sponsored by Farm Credit Services and USDA-AMS.

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About Practical Farmers: Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit with more than 8,000 members that equips farmers to build resilient farms and communities. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities. To learn more, visit http://practicalfarmers.org.