Program Overview
Nebraska Extension's Meat Processing Management Training program is for owners, managers, and management-track employees of small meat processing plants across the U.S.
The next program is centered around a weeklong in-person experience, to be held in Lincoln March 8-14, 2026, to guide participants in working to ensure a successful and profitable future through understanding their business and future goals while developing a continuous improvement mindset. It also includes two virtual meetings (pre- and post-program) as well as a virtual HACCP certification training. The program aims to help managers build their knowledge of the industry, their employees, financial management, and more.
Custom exempt, state-inspected, and federally inspected plants from across the U.S. are encouraged to apply. Up to two people per plant will be accepted.
The program is conducted by UNL's Center for Agricultural Profitability and Department of Animal Science, in collaboration with the College of Business at Nebraska and the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
Application, Fee, and Enrollment
Applications due January 25, 2026
- To apply, please complete this application and we will be in touch by Feb. 1, 2026.
Program fee
- When participants are accepted into the program, a fee of $1,498 will be due upon acceptance to the program. This is a per-plant fee and covers up to two participants from the same plant.
Expenses covered by program
- The program fee will cover all instruction, the online HACCP course and some food (see next bullets).
- Breakfast will be provided at the hotel for participants staying there.
- Lunch will be provided every day.
- Dinner will be provided the evenings of March 8, 11, and 13.
- Transportation will be provided for participants between the hotel and program sites.
Expenses covered by participants
- Travel: participants are responsible for all travel arrangements and travel expenses for getting to and from Lincoln.
- Lodging: A group rate will be available to participants at the program hotel. Participants are responsible for covering all hotel expenses.
- Dinners: Participants will be responsible for procuring and paying for their own dinners the evenings of March 9, 10, and 12.
Program Curriculum
In-person meetings: The program's in-person component will take place March 8-14, 2026, on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus.
The program will begin at 3 p.m. CT on Sunday, March 8. It will conclude by noon CT on Saturday, March 14. Activities will take place daily, from approximately 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT. One day may include plant tours that begin earlier in the morning and go later in the evening. Participants should plant to be present for the entire program.
Virtual meetings: The program also includes three required virtual events:
- A pre-program meeting (date TBD)
- A mandatory HACCP certification training (for those not already certified, TBD)
- An end-of-program follow-up meeting (date TBD)
Site visit: Plants that complete the program will be eligible for an on-site consulting visit, subject to availability.
Tentative schedule for in-person events, March 8-14, 2026:
All events Central time and at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus (except where noted). Transportation is provided between the hotel and program site. Lunch provided daily. Dinner provided where noted.
Curriculum and schedule are subject to change.
- Sunday, March 8, 3-6 p.m.: Executive Leadership Training (dinner provided)
- Monday, March 9, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Finance and Tracking Throughput
- Tuesday, March 10, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Fresh Meat Processing and Value-Added Strategies
- Wednesday, March 11, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.: Area Plant Tours (dinner provided)
- Thursday, March 12, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Human Resources and Pricing Strategies
- Friday, March 13, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Marketing Strategy and Lean Manufacturing (dinner provided)
- Saturday, March 14, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.: Marketing Plan Development and Wrap Up
Application Process
Custom exempt, federally inspected, and state inspected plants from across the U.S. are invited to apply. Up to two participants per each plant may be accepted. Opportunities are limited and we regret that we cannot accept every applicant into the program. Applicants will be notified of their status by Feb. 1, 2026. Required paperwork and the program fee payment of $1,498 must be received by March 1, 2026. Payments are final and no refunds will be given, even in cases where participants do not complete the program.
Apply here:
Small Meat Processing Management Training Program | Center for Agricultural Profitability | Nebraska
