Northcentral Technical College has received $220,000 from Gov. Tony Evers to help improve meat processing in Wisconsin. The governor originally announced a $5 million American Rescue Plan Act to help fund the development of a Meat Talent Development Program.
“Wisconsin’s livestock and meat processing industries are vital to the economic success of our state and provide consumers with access to high-quality meat products,” said Secretary Randy Romanski with the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “Gov. Evers recognizes the importance of investing in the future of this industry and the workforce that makes that industry so strong. We are excited to be working with universities and technical colleges like NTC to provide more educational opportunities for those interested in working in Wisconsin’s meat industry.”
The college aims to help address evolving food chain challenges by providing rapid training and workforce development in Central Wisconsin. The funds will provide a mobile learning lab which will bring training to students throughout Northcentral Wisconsin. Traiings will include farm-to-table practices to connect learners from NTC’s Agriculture Center of Excellence to learners from culinary arts degrees at the college.
“A portion of this investment will provide financial support to students in NTC’s meat processing programs,” said Jeannie Worden, president of NTC. “We are thankful to Gov. Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection for investing in our students and the agriculture community.”
According to EMSI Labor Market Analytics & Economic Data, northcentral Wisconsin has twice as many jobs in the meat processing industry than the national average and that number is projected to increase 21 percent over the next 10 years. The industry will also experience high retirement rates because 27 percent of those employed are age 55 and older.
Back in January, the Wisconsin DATCP announced the $5 million for meat talent development assistance. Wisconsin currently has 500 state and federally inspected meat plants.
