MEAT People

Neil interviews Eddie Behrends, who grew up in Fredericksburg, Texas and now lives on his wife’s fifth-generation ranch in New Mexico while raising three children involved in FFA and showing cattle. Behrends, executive manager of New Mexico’s State Meat and Poultry Inspection, explains the state’s effort to bring back state inspection to support ranchers, build a meat culture, and expand processin...

Neil interviews Brian Sapp about his career and the Fatback Pig Project. Sapp explains Fatback began in 2011 by converting an underused 1996 emu plant in Eva, Alabama into a hog slaughter and fabrication facility, backed by partners including Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and others, based on a “three-legged stool” of customer, supply, and distribution. Early plans struggled due to small-plant costs and h...

Neil interviews Sara Scott at the MEAT Forum. Sara shares her background growing up on a Central Valley, California cow-calf and stocker operation, studying ag business and marketing at Oklahoma State, and building a career at Certified Angus Beef working with retail and foodservice buyers, packers, and processors—giving her a “gate to plate” view of the supply chain. Now based in southeast Kansas...

The guest is Pat Nicholson, who recounts moving to Mertzon, Texas at age 10 and growing up as a third-generation butcher as his father left corporate grocery to buy a locker plant in 1974, later building Nicholson’s Meat Company into a regional smoked-meats brand that ran for nearly five decades before being sold. The conversation highlights succession planning challenges and respect for fourth- a...

The guest is Deidrea Mabry, COO of the American Meat Science Association (AMSA), about her path from 4-H and FFA to Texas Tech, meat judging, and ultimately joining AMSA remotely after moving to Wyoming. Mabry describes her COO responsibilities, including managing sustaining partner and association relationships (including SMA), budgeting and financial stewardship, and organizing AMSA’s annual Rec...

Recorded at the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) meat judging contest with support from Forum Meat and Columbia Packing, Neil interviews Bo Garcia, a University of Nebraska–Lincoln extension assistant professor who coordinates the meat judging program and is finishing his PhD. Garcia, originally from La Vernia near San Antonio and a Texas A&M graduate, credits SMA scholarships and describes th...

Neil interviews Grace Bryson, a Southwest Meat Association (SMA) scholarship recipient and first-year master’s student in meat science at Oklahoma State under Dr. Gretchen Macy. Grace shares that her first SMA experience was attending the Texas convention, where she felt welcomed and supported by industry members from across the U.S. She explains the scholarship relieved financial stress so she co...

Recorded in Fort Worth during the Cowtown/Southwest meat judging contest, Neil interviews Dr. Mark Miller of Texas Tech about meat judging’s role in recruiting and developing talent for the meat industry and the friendly-but-intense rivalries among top programs. Miller explains how contests expose students to major processors, retailers, and the broader supply chain, creating lifelong bonds and a...

Neil interviews Megan Sorenson, coach of the University of Arizona meat judging team, discussing how the program was started and what it takes to build it. Sorenson, a Texas native who judged for Angelo State in 2023, moved to Arizona for the opportunity to coach and educate students; the University of Arizona, the state’s land-grant school, is celebrating 100 years of meat judging and only formed...

Neil interviews Dr. Loni Lucherk about how the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) supported her and her students through significant scholarship funding, convention experiences, and an industry “family” atmosphere. She describes her path into meat science from Grandview, Texas through 4-H/FFA and meat judging, leading to graduate degrees and a career coaching collegiate teams, and notes West Texas A...

Neil welcomes Dr. Drew Cassens from the Southwest Meat Association (SMA). The conversation dives into the impactful work of SMA, particularly focusing on the scholarships they provide to students in the Animal Science Department at Texas A&M University. Drew shares his academic journey, from undergraduate studies to obtaining a Ph. D., and emphasizes the importance of networking and the valuab...

Jim and Cathey Ondrusek share their extensive history with the Southwestern Meat Association (SMA) and the meat industry. Jim, whose family has been involved in the meat business and with SMA for generations, recounts his family's immigration story and the evolution of their meat market from its early days to now. Jim talks about the work ethic instilled in him by his great-grandfather and grandfa...

Neil hosts a heartfelt conversation with his best friend Cody Lane and Cody's wife Chrissy, delving into their long-standing relationships and shared experiences within the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) and Peterson's. They share personal stories, professional challenges, and the significance of the SMA as a supportive community and family in the meat industry. The discussion includes how they...

Neil speaks with Wade Hudson from the Southwest Meat Association. Wade shares insights into his background, starting with his father's transition from a commercial kitchen rep to a full-time construction business in the 1970s. Wade discusses his path into the family business, which involved hands-on experience in the field before moving into the office, and emphasizes the importance of earning res...

Neil interviews Rodney Roth, CEO of Double R Brand Foods. Roth shares insights into his family's multi-generational business, starting from his grandfather, a Holocaust survivor and butcher, to his current leadership. The discussion covers the origins of the family business, the success and challenges faced, the introduction of innovative products such as sausage slices, and the importance of mark...

The guest is David Cone of Chappell Hill Sausage, who shares the history and evolution of the family business, starting from a custom kill plant in 1968 to becoming a renowned sausage company. David delves into the entrepreneurial spirit of his parents, the transition from a slaughter facility to a sausage company, and the challenges faced along the way. He also emphasizes the importance of commun...

Neil welcomes Amy Springer, who has been with Handtmann for 15 years. Handtmann specializes in selling meat processing equipment. Amy shares her journey in the meat industry, including her roles on the board of SMA and organizing the 'Best of the Wurst' contest, an annual blind vote event judging sausages from various companies. Amy discusses her success strategies, emphasizing the importance of b...

Neil talks with Nick Nickelson, Don Rea & Greg Kimmel at the Meat Board in Fort Worth, Texas. The discussion delves into their rich careers within the meat industry, covering topics from their unique backgrounds, the evolution of their business, and their leadership styles. The episode highlights Greg's role as General Manager and his cowboy heritage, Don's journey from a small packing house t...

Neil welcomes Al Almanza, a veteran of the meat industry with extensive experience in various facets, including regulatory roles. The conversation explores Al's humble beginnings in San Antonio, where he started working at a local meat packing company during high school, and traces his career progression. Al talks about his educational experiences, transitioning from high school to different roles...

Neil sits down with Ed Ruff at the 69th Annual SMA Convention to discuss the history and evolution of Ruff's family-owned meat business, established in 1928. The discussion covers topics such as the importance of the SMA organization, family traditions in meat production, the impact of regulation changes like HACCP, and the role of next-generation involvement. Ed also shares personal stories from...

Dr. Jeff Savell, a prominent figure in meat science, shares his rich career journey. Growing up in Ferris, Texas, Dr. Savell reflects on his childhood, the influence of agriculture, and the pivotal role his mentors played. He discusses his educational path, including his time at Tarleton State University, and the foundational moments that led him to his distinguished career in meat science. Dr. Sa...

Neil sits down with seasoned lawyer David Barron to explore his journey from working in a grocery store to becoming a prominent legal advisor in the meat industry. David shares insights on his educational background, the practicalities of law school, and how he navigated his career into employment law. The conversation covers the challenges and nuances of legal practice, particularly in relation t...

In this episode of the podcast recorded at the 69th Annual SMA Convention and Supplier Showcase, Neil sits down with Ray Riley, a long-standing figure in the meat industry and Texas A&M University. Ray reflects on his impressive 43-year career at the Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center, his journey from a student to a lecturer and manager, and his deep connections within the meat scie...

Tune in on Episode 7 of Meat People! Get the opportunity to 'meat' Jarrod Miller, an influential member of the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) and a key figure at Praters Foods. Host and guest discuss Jarrod's career path, from studying meat science at Texas Tech to working in various meat industry roles including his current position at Praters Foods. Jarrod shares insights into the history and...

On this episode of #TheMeatPeople, Neil Dudley hosts Tyler, Sherri and Glen Kusak of Yoakum Packing in Yoakum, Texas. The discussion covers the rich history of their family business, the evolution of their operations from slaughtering to meat processing, and the importance of their involvement with the Southwest Meat Association (SMA). We hear personal testimonies about growing up within the busin...