women-working-in-the-meat-business-logoOn May 20-22, NC Choices held their first hands-on, intensive workshop specifically geared toward women in the local, niche meat industry. The Women Working in the Meat Business Retreat was developed out of the enthusiastic feedback received from last year’s  Carolina Meat Conference session recognizing the emerging role women play in the niche meat industry. NC Choices designed the Women Working in the Meat Business Retreat to offer focused, hands-on intensive training and networking opportunities for producers and professionals.

Sold out and capped at 27 participants, the retreat was geared toward female farmers, processors and butchers in the niche meat industry. The women spent two days and nights learning from Chicago-based instructor and Master Butcher Kari Underly. Workshop participants engaged in the butchery of 2 hogs and 3 quarters of beef, learning about whole muscle cuts, carcass breakdown from live animal to salable meat, and higher value cuts, as well as pricing products, processor/producer communication, engaging in the marketplace, hands-on cooking techniques compliments of Lantern restaurant, animal breed and diet, and more.

Workshop participants learn from Master Butcher Kari Underly. Credit: Briana Brough Photography

Workshop participants learn from Master Butcher Kari Underly. Credit: Briana Brough Photography

By the end of the intensive workshop, respondents unanimously reported a higher level of confidence and knowledge in their ability to market meat to the end consumer as well as increased technical, communication, and business skills. Likewise, all respondents reported they now have an expanded network of other female professionals that will aid in the growth of their business. A Google group is being created for women to stay in contact and share resources.

For more information, please visit the NC Choices website.

From the June 2013 E-Newsletter