About the Wisconsin Meat Processing Short Course

Participants will learn the practical science and art of sausage-making & meat curing from a team of university instructors, supplier specialists, and award-winning “wurstmachers.” Instructors will teach the principles of meat processing at a basic, applied level, and information is aimed at operators who have small to moderate amounts of meat curing and sausage-making experience. However, processors from every level of experience can benefit from this program. Instruction will include several processing demonstrations and product evaluations.

Topics Covered

• Basic meat science
• Non-meat ingredients
• Sausage casings
• Overview of fresh sausage (including a manufacturing demonstration)
• Overview of emulsified sausage (including a manufacturing demonstration)
• Overview of cooked sausage (including a manufacturing demonstration)
• Overview of dry and semi-dry sausage (including a manufacturing demonstration)
• Meat microbiology and product shelf life
• Pathogens of concern and effective control methods
• Cooking and smoking
• Meat plant sanitation
• Ham and bacon processing (including a manufacturing demonstration)
• Artisanal meat processing

 Course Location, Parking and Transportation:

The Wisconsin Meat Processing School will be held at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery (MSABD) building, located at 1933 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706.

A shuttle service will be provided from the Double Tree by Hilton Madison Downtown to the MSABD building at 7:30 am each day. If you will be staying at a hotel other than the Double Tree by Hilton Madison Downtown, it will be your responsibility to meet the shuttle departing each morning at 7:30 am.

In addition to the shuttle, nearby parking is also available in Lot 67 (2002 Linden Drive) or Lot 36 (1645 Observatory Drive). Rates are $1 per 30 minutes for the first 3 hours, and $1/hour thereafter. The maximum rate for the day is $15.

For additional information about parking, visit this map which shows the location of the Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery building.

Class Schedule

Tuesday: 8:00am to 5:00pm

Wednesday: 8:00am to 5:00pm

Thursday: 8:00am to 1:00pm

Meals/Social Events

 Breaks: A light continental breakfast, break items, and refreshments will be provided all three days.

Lunches: Provided all days

Evening Reception: Tuesday evening at the DoubleTree hotel

Registration

The registration fee for the Wisconsin Meat Processing School is $500.00 per person through February 28^th, 2023.  After February 28^th, 2023, the cost is $550.00.  Registration will close March 7th, 2023.  The fee includes course materials & & handouts, breaks & lunches, refreshments, the Tuesday evening reception, and local transportation between the DoubleTree hotel and the MSABD building.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will be providing tuition reimbursement for qualifying participants that reside in Wisconsin through the Meat Talent Development Program, a $5 million program created by Gov. Tony Evers to connect the meat processing industry with potential employees.   Participants that reside in Wisconsin can request tuition reimbursement through DATCP’s Meat Talent Development Program during check-in at the event. Tuition reimbursement is limited to two participants per meat establishment and if funding is available, a third participant from the same establishment may also qualify for reimbursement.

Lodging, parking, and other meals are not included.

To register, please use this link: https://charge.wisc.edu/animalscience/workshops.aspx

Confirmation of registration and a map will be e-mailed to participants prior to the school.

Lodging

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Double Tree by Hilton Madison Downtown, rate $149.00 per night, Group code: MPS.  This rate is only available until February 28th, 2023, after that date, the rate is not guaranteed.  Reservations made after the deadline are subject to room availability.

 You may click on the link below to book directly.

Booking Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/msndtdt-mps-9395fcb5-c549-4179-aa07-b1138d9d02d0/

 DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton
(1.7 miles from class site, MSABD building)
525 W Johnson Street
Madison, WI
Ph: (608) 251-5511

If registering by phone, please use:

Group Code: MPS

Change in Plans:

You may substitute another person at any time prior to the start of the course. If you need to cancel your registration before February 28th, 2023, you may receive a refund less a $50.00 processing fee.  If you need to cancel your registration between March 1^st and March 7^th 2023, you may receive a 50% refund.  If you cancel your registration between March 8^th, 2023, and the start of the course, no refund will be issued.  If you fail to cancel, no refund will be issued.  Please contact Colleen Crummy, at 608-263-4891, if you have changes to your plans.

Course and Registration Questions:

If you have questions regarding registration or otherwise, please contact Jeff Sindelar at 608-262-0555 or email jsindelar@wisc.edu.