Applications Open for Master Meat Crafter Program’s Class of 2026-27

The Master Meat Crafter Program is a highly regarded meat industry training program offered by the University of Wisconsin eat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery. It provides participants with well-rounded, in-depth, and comprehensive knowledge of meat science, food safety and processing principles. The 2-year program require completion of four elements to successfully graduate and gain the distinction “Master Meat Crafter.”

Applications are now open for the upcoming 2026-2027 Master Meat Crafter class. Acceptance into this program is based upon the quality and content of the program application. Applicants with at least 5 years of experience in ownership, operation, or employment in a meat processing facility will be viewed favorably.

Class size is limited to 35 participants. Program elements include:

1. Six 3-day Workshops

1) Animal Harvest & Product Utilization School (January 2026)

2) Fresh Meats School (May 2026)

3) Food Safety & Meat Microbiology School (August 2026)

4) Meat Curing School (January 2027)

5) Cooked & Emulsified Sausage School (May 2027)

6) Fermented & Dry Cured Meat Product School (September 2027)

HACCP Training for Meat and Poultry Processors – required if not previously taken

2. Homework Assignments

At least six homework assignments will be administered throughout the program to expand on specific learning objectives.

3. Mentorship Program

Each participant will be expected to mentor an employee or other individual on various meat science and meat processing topics based upon the knowledge and principles learned from Master Meat Crafter Training Program.

4. Plant Project

Participants are required to conduct an in-plant research project. Projects are chosen by the MMC candidate and approved by the training program personnel.

The program costs are $12,500. Fees can be paid in full up front or broken into eight quarterly installments. Fees include registration for all schools, participant materials and handouts, business meals/banquets, and transportation to events in Madison.

Visit https://meatsciences.cals.wisc.edu/master-meat-crafter/ for more information and application information. For any questions regarding the Master Meat Crafter Program, contact Outreach Specialists Heather Hunt (hbhunt@wisc.edu) or Ky Peters (kpeters26@wisc.edu).