Farms.com Home   News

Cornell Cooperative Extension announces Fall 2023 Meat Processing and Marketing Workshop Series

This Fall, the Cornell Agricultural Marketing Research Program will offer workshops in 5 locations around Central and Western NY on meat processing and marketing topics. The series has been made possible through funding from the Northeast Risk Management Education program.

Consumer demand for locally raised meats, sourced directly from the farm, spiked in 2020 as consumers faced pandemic-induced grocery store shortages and price increases. Market demand remains strong as consumers appreciate the quality and value when they purchase meat from local farms. While new demand presents an opportunity for NY’s livestock farmers, selling meat direct-to-consumer also presents challenges and risks. This workshop teaches producers how to avoid and address common challenges they encounter with meat processing and direct-to-consumer meat marketing.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.