Success StoryUniversity of Kentucky Meat Cutting School, 2023



University of Kentucky Meat Cutting School, 2023

Author: Gregg Rentfrow

Planning Unit: Animal and Food Sciences

Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The COVID-19 Pandemic highlighted the need for trained meat processors.  The University of Kentucky Meat Cutting School hosted three processing clinics in 2023; one, pork processing and two, beef processing workshops.  The Pork Processing Workshop had 14 people in attendance from four states, whereas a total of 10 people attended the Beef Processing Workshops.  These workshops are 2 1/2 day, hands-on trainings designed to introduce the participants to meat processing.  The majority of the students are older (>30 years old) and either want to learn the skills in order to change careers or they want to learn more about home meat processing.  A small number of the attendees are homesteaders/off-the-grid people who want to learn the skills for survival.  The University of Kentucky Meat Cutting School has been training meat processors for 17 years and plans to offer more trainings in 2024.






Stories by Gregg Rentfrow


4-H Country Ham; COVID

about 3 years ago by Gregg Rentfrow

The pandemic canceled or changed 4-H activities in 2020. The 4-H Country Ham Committee wanted to mak... Read More


The meat supply during the pandemic

about 3 years ago by Gregg Rentfrow

The global pandemic put a strain on the national meat supply. I combined efforts with Dr. Lyda Garci... Read More


Stories by Animal and Food Sciences


Udderly Amazing State Virtual Dairy Club

about 3 years ago by Larissa Tucker

With COVID-19 restrictions still in place it was decided to help youth and volunteers to keep their ... Read More


4-H Country Ham; COVID

about 3 years ago by Gregg Rentfrow

The pandemic canceled or changed 4-H activities in 2020. The 4-H Country Ham Committee wanted to mak... Read More