Describe the Issue or Situation.

The University of Kentucky Meat Cutting School provides hands-on training in beef and pork processing.  The clients that sign up for the workshops are do-it-yourselfers, off-the-grid/homesteaders, or those that want to learn more about the meats industry.  These clients want to learn how to humanely harvest livestock and how to safely process the meat for their families.  

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Several of our clients has taken classes/workshops at other universities and/or community colleges, but note that they learned more from ours due to the hands-on training.  They understand that experience and repetition is true teacher, but we offer hands-on training, by experienced personnel that provides a base to gain experience.    

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

In 2025, we trained eight people from four states in our two beef processing workshops whereas 10 people from three states learned pork processing.  The clients consisted of farmers wanting to learn more about the meats industry, food service instructors from local community colleges, homesteaders, and those that want to learn the basics to start their own meat processing business.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact.

Currently, due to the UK Meat Cutting School, we are working with a family that are opening a meat processing facility in Estill County.  We plan to continue to work with the family and continue our relationship and assist them with more personnel training.

 Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.