Meat meeting May 4

Results of a survey of 900 meat producers on the feasibility of meat processing and marketing in Carson Valley will be presented 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4 at Corley Ranch in Gardnerville.

"We asked meat producers if they would be committed to a mobile or stable meat processing facility," said University of Nevada Cooperative Extension educator Steve Lewis. "We'll give the results of the survey and discuss the business plan at the meeting. They seemed to give favorable opinions."

One idea to be discussed is on-site slaughtering where carcasses will be taken to a central processing area to be aged and wrapped for owners to pick up and market themselves.

"Rather than selling to feed lots for them to finish, they'll be finishing themselves," said Lewis. "They'll eliminate the middle man - customized meat business."

He said customer concerns for food safety and wanting to support local producers have given the idea of area meat processing more steam across the country.

"We're going to talk about how the survey says it's feasible and what do we do to take it to the next step," said Lewis. "We're trying to create a system and we're shooting for higher quality."

Besides Lewis, who will speak on the characteristics of successful agricultural producers, the workshop includes University of Nevada, Reno, agriculture economist Kynda Curtis who will give information on food crop marketing.

Kathy Halbardier from UNR's College of Business Administration will speak on small business planning and development.

University of Nevada, Reno, livestock specialist Ron Torell speaks about changes in the cattle feed industry.

Juliette Taylor from Churchill Economic Development Authority will give information on land availability and building contractors.

Registration for the meeting is $10 which includes lunch and workshop materials. To RSVP, contact Steve Lewis at the cooperative extension office, 782-9960. The Corley Ranch is at 859 Highway 395, Gardnerville.

What: Beef processing and marketing workshop

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4

Where: Corley Ranch, 859 Highway 395, Gardnerville

Info: RSVP, Steve Lewis, 782-9960