Success StoryDeer Processing, 2022



Deer Processing, 2022

Author: Gregg Rentfrow

Planning Unit: Animal and Food Sciences

Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

The COVID-19 Pandemic saturated meat processing in Kentucky as well as the entire country.  The Commonwealth's meat processors are experiencing extended waiting lists that are over 18 months.  Some meat processors no longer will process deer in order to keep up with livestock processing demands.  Our deer processing demonstrations and food safety after the hunt talks have been popular over the last five years, but the fall of 2021 and winter of 2022 saw more and more hunters attending these demonstrations.  I conducted five in-person deer carcass demonstrations and three food safety after the hunt talks for FY21-22.