Frequently Asked Questions

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When and where are the classes?

The Meat Processor Academy is a completely online, self-paced course offered through Oregon State University Professional & Continuing Education catalog. You do not need to be an OSU student to take this short course. Once registered, you will have up to 6 months to watch all of the videos at times that are convenient for you. 

How many classes are there?

There are 12 core modules and 2 optional modules for a total of 14 hours of content.

What is the investment?

$150 for up to 2 people per business (use same login email for both). Should you want to register more people from a single business, you need to pay for additional registrations. Thanks to the generous funding of the USDA Ag Marketing Services, we can keep the cost affordable. A course with this level of content and speakers would normally cost $500-1,000.

What is included in the price?

Access to all presentations and recordings, handouts, a private group listserv, and ability to email instructor with questions as needed for up to 6 months after launch. 

What is the learning platform?

We are using Canvas, the preferred content management system of Oregon State University.

Who is this course designed for?

The Meat Processor Academy will provide intermediate to advanced content on topics related to business, finances, and operational aspects of growing meat processing businesses. Therefore, the course is designed for meat plant owners/operators as well as key leadership positions. If you are not involved in the business aspects of running a facility (such as seeing and knowing their P & Ls or developing KPIs), then this course is not for you.

Attendees ideally should be meat processors with 25-150 employees, or if less than 25 they have definite plans to grow to that scale at some point in the future. Ideally have at least 2 years in operation. Course content is geared primarily towards full service inspected and fee-for-service processors, however, further processors and co-packers are also welcome, as well as custom exempt processors that plan to grow into inspection. 

We are a start-up, can we still take this course?

Due to the intermediate to advanced nature of the content, you may not get much from the course. We expect participants to have at least a couple years of experience under their belts. That said, if you are well under way in your planning, financing, and development of your meat plant and are intending to scale up, you may sign up for the course.

What about farmers, ranchers, extension agents, consultants, and others who may be interested in taking the course?

We have another course called the Western Meat School that is geared towards meat producers to learn how to build direct meat marketing businesses. This Processor Academy is focused on running a growing meat processing plant. If you work with meat processors as part of your career and provide them consulting or technical assistance, then you may find value in the Meat Processor Academy course. Please email us if you have any questions about your eligibility to join the course.

How do I register?

Registration for the self-paced course launches on July 15th, 2022 at this link.

Will I receive credits or a certificate?

This is a non-credit short course. There is an option to earn a Certificate of Completion if you complete a 2 page business plan. Read the details once you enroll.