The meat sector is a highly skilled industry that is physically intense, and whose skills take time to perfect. In other countries, there are even two year long meat training programs because it takes that much time for processors to perform at such a high level.
Kevin Ladwig, a member of the Wisconsin Meat Caucus from Johnsonville Sausage, says that the main challenge facing the meat industry right now isn’t just the backlog – it’s a lack of talent.
He says both small and large processors have been focusing on automation to streamline their operations, raising wages and their voice to help solve some of these challenges.
Funding has also been allocated by the State to help expand the industry, but Ladwig says there needs to be a sustainable plan that raises awareness of the industry for potential employees
