Small, independent meat processors are slicing through industry changes

Kristen Sindelar
Mar 8, 2024
Mar 8, 2024

Small meat processor 2.JPG — Ryan Baumert, who owns and operates Faltin Meat Market in Howells, Neb., prepares to use the new meat slicer. With this new machine, bacon can be cut in one minute. Baumert was able to purchase the machine through the Independent Processor Assistance Program (IPAP).
Submitted photo

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I vividly remember calling in to the local meat locker to make our annual appointments—more than a year in advance. Personally, I thought it was a little ridiculous to be calling for fall 2021 when they had just calved that spring of 2020, but rumor had it that lockers were all booked. Imagine my surprise when I had to call three shops to finally find an opening for October 2021.

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Small meat processor 1.jpg — Meat processing requires specialty equipment, such as this large saw at River’s Edge Meat Locker in Fullerton, Neb. The saw is used to cut the carcass in half after the animal has been skinned.
Submitted photo

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Hometown boy starts new meat processing plant in Fullerton

There are two things Brad Gleason is known for in his hometown of Fullerton: living by the r…

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Small meat processor 3.JPG — Kristin Eller works quickly to package ground beef at Faltin Meat Market in Howells, Neb. Retaining skilled workers seems to be a location-dependent problem for small meat processors.
Submitted photo

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.