MEAT People

meatpeople
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

MEAT People is the official podcast of SMA (Southwest Meat Association)— a twice-monthly audio and video series designed to connect, celebrate, and inform SMA members and industry stakeholders. Hosted primarily by SMA Member, Neil Dudley with Pederson’s Farms, with rotating co-hosts and guests. MEAT People will showcase stories from across the meat processing and packing industry, highlight SMA’s resources and events, provide updates, and foster networking within this unique and collaborative industry community. The tone will be welcoming, conversational, and informative — like catching up with family at a reunion (except with more brisket).

  1. 3D AGO

    Grace Bryson on SMA Scholarships & Meat Judging

    Neil interviews Grace Bryson, a Southwest Meat Association (SMA) scholarship recipient and first-year master’s student in meat science at Oklahoma State under Dr. Gretchen Macy. Grace shares that her first SMA experience was attending the Texas convention, where she felt welcomed and supported by industry members from across the U.S. She explains the scholarship relieved financial stress so she could focus on classes, research, teaching, and helping coach the OSU meat judging team. Originally from near St. Louis, she entered animal science after showing pigs, discovered meat science through an intro class, and joined the OSU judging team in 2023, later earning high individual honors at Houston. She describes judging beef, pork, and lamb carcasses and wholesale cuts, emphasizing anatomy and industry specifications, and discusses interest in people-focused industry roles and possible future PhD considerations.   Topics 01:01 Grace Meets SMA 01:46 Roots and OSU Path 03:04 Scholarship Impact 03:49 Finding Meat Science 04:55 Career Goals and Networking 05:40 Judging Team Wins 06:01 Competition Mindset 08:23 How Meat Judging Works 09:53 Teaching and Coaching Students 11:11 What Judges Evaluate 12:35 Wrap Up and Thanks

    14 min

  2. APR 2

    Dr. Mark Miller on Meat Judging & SMA’s Impact

    Recorded in Fort Worth during the Cowtown/Southwest meat judging contest, Neil interviews Dr. Mark Miller of Texas Tech about meat judging’s role in recruiting and developing talent for the meat industry and the friendly-but-intense rivalries among top programs. Miller explains how contests expose students to major processors, retailers, and the broader supply chain, creating lifelong bonds and a “family” culture that extends into careers. He shares his own path into meat judging, his background growing up on a dairy farm, and his belief that the growth and longevity of meat judging are guided by faith. Miller describes SMA as transformational for small processors through safety and quality resources, and for universities through scholarships, internships, and community connection. He outlines Texas Tech’s meat science program, Red Raider Meats as a for-profit experiential business, extensive outreach at major shows, and the recent surge to record participation. The episode closes with Miller’s views on NIL and Texas Tech athletics, emphasizing culture and relationships over money.   Topics 01:05 Fort Worth Contest Roots 02:11 Sponsors And Industry Family 02:57 Rivalries Build Excellence 06:18 Bonding Through Judging 07:41 How Miller Got Started 10:37 Dairy Farm Work Ethic 12:39 Family Ministry Balance 14:02 Record Growth And Alumni 15:56 SMA Support And Scholarships 18:31 SMA As Industry Grandma 20:30 Family Culture Matters 21:21 Texas Programs Advantage 22:38 ConAgra Food Safety R&D 23:52 Early HACCP Transition 24:51 Texas Tech Meats Program 25:23 Red Raider Meats Business 26:59 Student Outreach Events 29:02 Recruiting And Competition 30:51 Careers Beyond Ag 32:34 NIL And Team Culture 35:06 Why Lubbock Wins 36:24 Texas Hospitality Story 38:11 Closing Thanks And Wrap

    38 min

  3. MAR 19

    Megan Sorenson of the U. of Arizona Meat Judging Team

    Neil interviews Megan Sorenson, coach of the University of Arizona meat judging team, discussing how the program was started and what it takes to build it. Sorenson, a Texas native who judged for Angelo State in 2023, moved to Arizona for the opportunity to coach and educate students; the University of Arizona, the state’s land-grant school, is celebrating 100 years of meat judging and only formed its first team two years ago. She explains recruiting students, growing from four members last year to six competing at the Southwestern contest (with a seventh overall), and balancing school support with fundraising for travel. Sorenson highlights Southwest Meat Association scholarships and industry support, describes coaching oversight at contests through the American Meat Science Association, and defines success as student integrity, effort, and improvement despite limited local beef-plant access.   Topics 01:16 Why Arizona Started a Team 02:11 SMA Scholarships Shoutout 03:52 Recruiting and Funding Challenges 05:39 How Megan Got Into Meat Judging 07:49 Coaching at Contests and MSA 11:04 Defining Success and Growth 12:20 Wrap Up and Next Episode

    14 min

  4. MAR 5

    Dr. Loni Lucherk on Meat Judging, Scholarships & Giving Back

    Neil interviews Dr. Loni Lucherk about how the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) supported her and her students through significant scholarship funding, convention experiences, and an industry “family” atmosphere. She describes her path into meat science from Grandview, Texas through 4-H/FFA and meat judging, leading to graduate degrees and a career coaching collegiate teams, and notes West Texas A&M’s recent contest successes. Dr. Lucherk emphasizes encouraging a wide range of hardworking students to apply for SMA scholarships, attend conventions to see diverse industry careers, and develop confidence, performance under pressure, competitiveness, and problem-solving through judging. She discusses giving back through time, talent, and treasure, her family life, and invites SMA members and businesses to visit WT’s meat lab and recruit students.   Topics 01:37 How SMA Changed Everything 03:29 Helping Students Find SMA 04:56 From Ranch Life to Industry 06:30 Her Meat Science Origin Story 09:31 WTAMU Wins and Programs 11:27 Scholarships Like Sports 13:10 Meat Judging Under Pressure 14:43 Officials and Giving Back 17:12 Family Life on the Road 19:25 Why Texas Tech 19:59 Why Texas Tech 20:45 Lubbock Ag Program Growth 21:53 Life in Canyon Ranch 22:17 Background Helps or Not 24:03 Judging Builds Careers 24:55 Mentors and Confidence 29:20 Keeping Students Involved 32:08 Competition and Coaching Styles 34:04 Gender and Industry Shifts 36:05 Mentors Shoutout and Wrap

    38 min

  5. FEB 13

    Dr. Drew Cassens: How Meat Judging Transforms Lives

    Neil welcomes Dr. Drew Cassens from the Southwest Meat Association (SMA). The conversation dives into the impactful work of SMA, particularly focusing on the scholarships they provide to students in the Animal Science Department at Texas A&M University. Drew shares his academic journey, from undergraduate studies to obtaining a Ph.D., and emphasizes the importance of networking and the valuable opportunities that come with participating in SMA events and meat judging contests. The discussion also highlights the family-like atmosphere within the meat industry, the importance of hands-on education, and the significant accomplishments of Texas A&M's meat judging team, including their recent championship wins. Drew underlines the value of student involvement, mentorship, and the development of skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, which are essential for a successful career in the meat industry.   Topics 01:06 The Impact of SMA Scholarships 02:08 Networking and Career Opportunities 03:56 The Importance of Meat Judging 06:37 Coaching and Mentorship in Meat Science 11:46 Recruitment and Career Development 17:05 Building Relationships and Networking 17:47 Effective Teaching Styles 18:13 Hands-On Learning in Meat Production 19:40 Student Experiences and Adaptability 20:46 Judging and Decision Making 24:07 National and International Competitions 27:41 Team Dynamics and Coaching 30:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    31 min
  6. Generations of Dedication: Jim and Cathey Ondrusek

    JAN 28

    Generations of Dedication: Jim and Cathey Ondrusek

    Jim and Cathey Ondrusek share their extensive history with the Southwestern Meat Association (SMA) and the meat industry. Jim, whose family has been involved in the meat business and with SMA for generations, recounts his family's immigration story and the evolution of their meat market from its early days to now. Jim talks about the work ethic instilled in him by his great-grandfather and grandfather and the legacy he's built over his 50-year career in the meat industry. Cathey shares her perspective on the familial bonds formed through SMA and the impact of their scholarship programs. The episode highlights the importance of relationships, work ethic, and community within the industry.   Topics 00:50 Jim's Family History in the Meat Business 02:35 Work Ethic and Early Career Lessons 05:10 Legacy and Relationships in the Meat Industry 07:48 Consulting and Product Development Challenges 11:43 SMA Community and Personal Reflections 20:56 Navigating Tough Times with Faith 21:57 The Value of Hard Times 23:46 Community Support in Crisis 26:57 Mentorship and Heroes 33:35 Succession Planning and Retirement 36:02 Father-Son Dynamics in Business 38:18 Unexpected Career Paths 40:08 Concluding Thoughts and Invitation

    41 min

  7. JAN 13

    Family & Community in the Meat Industry: Cody & Chrissy Lane

    Neil hosts a heartfelt conversation with his best friend Cody Lane and Cody's wife Chrissy, delving into their long-standing relationships and shared experiences within the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) and Peterson's. They share personal stories, professional challenges, and the significance of the SMA as a supportive community and family in the meat industry. The discussion includes how they started their careers at Peterson's, the benefits of being part of the SMA, and the importance of maintaining strong personal connections within the industry. Through anecdotes and reflections, the episode underscores the value of friendship, family, and community in both personal and professional spheres.   Topics 01:19 The SMA Family and Personal Reflections 02:05 Emotional Conversations and Support 04:52 Confidence and Faith 05:47 The Value of SMA and Community 07:20 First Encounters with SMA 08:23 Funny Stories and Memories 10:04 How We Started at Peterson's 14:56 Chrissy's Journey with Peterson's 16:43 Parenting and Childhood Memories 17:13 SMA: A Family Vacation and Business Opportunity 18:00 The Role of SMA in Business Networking 18:46 Aggies and Meat Judging 19:21 Impact of COVID on Education and Business 19:47 Leadership and Service in SMA 21:16 Building the SMA Community 23:42 SMA's Evolution and Services 26:42 Encouragement and Personal Growth 30:47 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    32 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    Building a Cold-Storage Construction Legacy: Wade Hudson

    Neil speaks with Wade Hudson from the Southwest Meat Association. Wade shares insights into his background, starting with his father's transition from a commercial kitchen rep to a full-time construction business in the 1970s. Wade discusses his path into the family business, which involved hands-on experience in the field before moving into the office, and emphasizes the importance of earning respect through hard work. He also touches on the demanding nature of the construction industry, the importance of networking and support through associations like the SMA, and the challenges of finding reliable employees.    Topics 00:55 Wade Hudson's Background and Family Business 04:57 Challenges and Insights in the Construction Business 09:10 Parenting and Career Choices 13:53 Current State of the Construction Industry 15:19 Reflections on Industry Events 16:03 Insights on Political Perspectives 18:52 Generational Differences and Technology 19:54 The Value of Mission Trips 20:57 The Importance of SMA Membership 23:16 Challenges and Successes in Business 29:29 Employee Appreciation and Longevity 30:32 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

MEAT People is the official podcast of SMA (Southwest Meat Association)— a twice-monthly audio and video series designed to connect, celebrate, and inform SMA members and industry stakeholders. Hosted primarily by SMA Member, Neil Dudley with Pederson’s Farms, with rotating co-hosts and guests. MEAT People will showcase stories from across the meat processing and packing industry, highlight SMA’s resources and events, provide updates, and foster networking within this unique and collaborative industry community. The tone will be welcoming, conversational, and informative — like catching up with family at a reunion (except with more brisket).

Information

  • Creator
    meatpeople
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    MEAT People