Neil welcomes Al Almanza, a veteran of the meat industry with extensive experience in various facets, including regulatory roles. The conversation explores Al's humble beginnings in San Antonio, where he started working at a local meat packing company during high school, and traces his career progression. Al talks about his educational experiences, transitioning from high school to different roles within the industry while working towards a degree in biology. He discusses his significant roles, from being a food inspector to ultimately becoming the administrator of FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) under different U.S. administrations. Al also touches on his career at JBS, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges and rewards of his various positions. The episode highlights the vital role of agriculture and safe food practices, as well as the importance of supporting the industry's future through scholarships and mentorship.

Topics

00:57 Early Life and First Job in Meat Industry

03:31 Career Progression and Mentorship

06:29 Transition to Regulatory Roles

09:29 Leadership and Industry Insights

17:04 Reflections and Final Thoughts

Neil sits down with Ed Ruff at the 69th Annual SMA Convention to discuss the history and evolution of Ruff's family-owned meat business, established in 1928. The discussion covers topics such as the importance of the SMA organization, family traditions in meat production, the impact of regulation changes like HACCP, and the role of next-generation involvement. Ed also shares personal stories from the Great Depression era and insights into his family's resilience. The episode emphasizes the sense of community within SMA and the critical support from suppliers and industry experts.

Topics

01:24 History of the Company

01:44 SMA: A Family-Like Organization

02:01 Personal Stories and Experiences

04:07 Company Products and Operations

06:03 Challenges and Changes in the Industry

10:02 Regulatory Environment and Advocacy

16:26 Family Business Dynamics

23:10 Reflections and Closing Remarks

Dr. Jeff Savell, a prominent figure in meat science, shares his rich career journey. Growing up in Ferris, Texas, Dr. Savell reflects on his childhood, the influence of agriculture, and the pivotal role his mentors played. He discusses his educational path, including his time at Tarleton State University, and the foundational moments that led him to his distinguished career in meat science. Dr. Savell emphasizes the importance of people skills, mentorship, and building a community in education and the meat industry. Additionally, he shares personal anecdotes about his family, his long-standing marriage, and teaching experiences that have shaped his legacy. The episode also highlights the impact of extracurricular activities and the rewarding experience of seeing former students succeed in the industry.

Topics

00:26 Dr. Jeff Saveable's Early Life and Career Beginnings

01:07 Growing Up in Ferris, Texas

02:00 High School Years and Agricultural Involvement

04:10 Family and Personal Life

04:58 The Importance of Mentorship

10:04 College Journey and Meat Judging

13:57 Pursuing Higher Education and Career in Meat Science

16:58 Advice for Students and Career Reflections

19:27 Becoming Vice Chancellor and Dean

20:53 Immediate Impact of New Students

22:09 Decorating the Cake: Extracurricular Activities

24:33 Generational Teaching and Influence

26:12 The Importance of People Skills

29:12 A Love Story: Meeting Jackie

33:35 Family Legacy and Generations of Aggies

37:52 Favorite Classes and Teaching Barbecue

Neil sits down with seasoned lawyer David Barron to explore his journey from working in a grocery store to becoming a prominent legal advisor in the meat industry. David shares insights on his educational background, the practicalities of law school, and how he navigated his career into employment law. The conversation covers the challenges and nuances of legal practice, particularly in relation to immigration laws and workplace compliance. David also opens up about his personal life, including his family, his passion for mountain climbing, and his role in the Boy Scouts. This episode provides a unique blend of professional advice and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in law, business, or the meat industry.

Topics

01:19 David Barron's Journey to Law

01:53 Early Career and Legal Practice

02:48 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Lawyer

07:00 Immigration Law and Business Compliance

10:34 Practical Advice for Business Owners

14:03 Diverse Experiences in the Legal Field

15:08 The Art of Communication in Law

16:14 Navigating the Courtroom Experience

19:49 Family Life and Personal Stories

25:35 Travel Tips and Professional Insights

27:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the podcast recorded at the 69th Annual SMA Convention and Supplier Showcase, Neil sits down with Ray Riley, a long-standing figure in the meat industry and Texas A&M University. Ray reflects on his impressive 43-year career at the Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center, his journey from a student to a lecturer and manager, and his deep connections within the meat science community. He shares interesting anecdotes, the importance of hands-on experience in education, and the significance of industry relationships. Ray also talks about his plans for retirement and the future of the Rosenthal Center under new leadership.

https://southwestmeat.org/meat-people-podcast/

https://southwestmeat.org/ 

Topics

00:23 Meet Ray Riley: Career Overview

02:47 Reflections on Retirement

05:12 Memorable Moments and Contributions

24:11 The Importance of Judging Teams

29:14 Hands-On Learning at Rosenthal Center

33:06 Closing Thoughts and Industry Insights

Tune in on Episode 7 of Meat People! Get the opportunity to 'meat' Jarrod Miller, an influential member of the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) and a key figure at Praters Foods. Host and guest discuss Jarrod's career path, from studying meat science at Texas Tech to working in various meat industry roles including his current position at Praters Foods. Jarrod shares insights into the history and operations of Praters Foods, emphasizing the company's evolution and involvement in manufacturing a variety of food products. Additionally, the episode touches on the broader meat industry, the value of associations like the SMA, and the importance of community and culture in business.

Visit https://praters.com/

Topics

00:30 Guest Introduction: Jarrod Miller

01:29 Jarrod's Journey in the Meat Industry

02:39 Career at Food Safety Net Services

04:48 The Importance of SMA and Meat Judging

09:37 Praters History and Evolution

11:19 United Supermarkets Acquisition

13:35 Maintaining Culture and Service Excellence

14:26 Challenges and Team Dynamics

14:38 Orientation and Employee Engagement

15:12 Scaling and Human Connection

17:01 Holiday Operations and Team Spirit

18:43 Leadership and Industry Involvement

24:22 Personal Life and Community Involvement

25:57 Product Highlights and Unique Offerings

27:45 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

On this episode of #TheMeatPeople, Neil Dudley hosts Tyler, Sherri and Glen Kusak of Yoakum Packing in Yoakum, Texas. The discussion covers the rich history of their family business, the evolution of their operations from slaughtering to meat processing, and the importance of their involvement with the Southwest Meat Association (SMA). We hear personal testimonies about growing up within the business, the pivotal decisions that shaped its current form, and the family dynamics in play. The conversation also highlights the SMA Foundation's endowment and scholarship fund, and its vital role in supporting the meat industry. This episode offers a blend of personal stories, business insights, and the significance of familial bonds in a family-operated enterprise.

Visit

Legacy Campaign- https://southwestmeat.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Legacy-Campaign-Packet-6.25.25-1.pdf

Farmpac- https://www.farmpac.com/

SMA- https://southwestmeat.org/

Convention Registration- https://web.cvent.com/event/9a217d35-cb6f-4899-85cc-6bd385d6af76/summary

SMA Foundation page- https://southwestmeat.org/sma-foundation/

Topics

00:53 Family Ties and SMA Involvement

02:03 History of Yoakum Packing

03:37 Generational Shifts and Business Evolution

07:15 Challenges and Changes in the Meat Industry

09:36 Family Dynamics and Business Roles

15:16 Leadership and Future Prospects

22:40 Reflecting on Moving Back to a Small Town

23:19 Learning the Meat Industry

24:19 Challenges of Business Ownership

25:44 Marketing and Online Business

26:15 Key People in the Company

30:12 Family Dynamics in Business

32:13 Thoughts on Retirement

33:35 SMA Endowment Fund

41:23 Community Engagement and Events

43:01 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

On this episode we welcome Karrie Menz of Surlean Foods. She discusses her upbringing in a small farming community in Fredericksburg, Texas, and her initial unplanned entry into the meat industry, spurred by her education at Texas A&M University and early experiences on the meat judging team. She details her significant role and career growth in quality assurance at Owens Country Sausage. Karrie also shares insights about Surlean Foods, emphasizing its family-oriented culture and the importance of quality and food safety in their operations. Additionally, Karrie reflects on her service on the SMA board, highlighting her commitment to training, regulatory guidance, and supporting the next generation of industry leaders.

00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitch

00:31 Meet Karrie Menz: Background and Early Life

02:21 Karrie's Journey into the Meat Industry

05:10 Quality and Food Safety in the Meat Industry

14:35 The Importance of Trust and Food Safety

17:24 German Heritage and Family Recipes

18:04 The Sausage Bible: Documenting Culinary Traditions

19:21 Food Safety and Family Involvement

20:45 Career Paths and Surprising Journeys

21:22 Shirley: A Family-Owned Business

22:50 Customer Collaboration and Product Development

25:39 Involvement with SMA and Professional Growth

30:50 Reflections and Future Engagements

In this episode we welcome Amber Ondrusek from Columbia Packing, a 100-year-old family-owned meat business. Amber shares the rich history of the company, starting with her great-grandfather Joseph's journey from Czechoslovakia in 1913 to its official incorporation in 1923. Amber discusses the evolution of the business through various generations, the challenges and successes faced along the way, and the dynamics of being a woman in the traditionally male-dominated meat industry. The conversation also dives into the importance of family, the adaptation to changing times with new facilities, and the significance of being part of the SMA community. Notably, Amber highlights the role of long-term employees and family members in maintaining the company's legacy and values. This episode is a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship, family bonds, and community within the meat industry.

More on Amber at http://columbiapacking.com/

Topics

01:40 History of Columbia Packing

03:59 Challenges and Changes in the Meat Industry

07:00 Family Legacy and Leadership Transition

17:19 Modern Operations and Facilities

18:04 Building the Smokehouse from Scratch

18:36 Challenges of an 80-Year-Old Plant

19:02 Rusty's Strategic Layout

20:33 Generational Transition and Finance

22:07 Learning and Mentorship

25:36 The Value of SMA Community

30:11 Balancing Tradition and Business

32:17 Employee Contributions and Legacy

34:17 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of the Meat People podcast, Neil sits down with Rick Kimbrell, founder of StartKleen Legacy, to discuss his career and contributions to the food safety and sanitation industry. The conversation covers Rick's family legacy in the business, the early struggles and successes in establishing StartKleen, and the importance of leadership and training programs. Rick also shares personal anecdotes about growing up in a family involved with the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) and how this shaped his career. The episode highlights the evolving nature of the meat processing industry and the significant challenges and rewards of building and maintaining a business in this field.

Topics

00:46 Meet Rick Kimbrell: A Journey in the Industry

01:48 The Founder's Story: Rick Kimbrel and Start Clean

03:12 Leadership and Training at Start Clean

06:53 Family Legacy and Business Beginnings

11:21 Building and Growing Start Clean

17:41 Sales, Marketing, and Team Dynamics

20:05 The Essence of Selling and Community

20:31 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

20:49 Understanding the Meat Industry

21:48 Educating the Next Generation

23:04 Building a Legacy

26:25 Riding for the Brand

29:04 The Importance of Food Safety

30:19 Promoting the SMA and Career Opportunities

35:38 Farm Experiences and Visitor Reactions

37:04 Innovative Farm Accommodations

40:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts