Meat Processing and Retail
Why choose Meat Processing and Retail?
- You see a future in local food systems and want to play a role in high-quality, responsible meat production.
- You want to ensure your practices are ethical, humane, and compliant with current regulations.
- Develop the practical skills and regulatory know-how to turn your passion for meat processing into a compliant, market-ready operation.
- Understand the science of meat microbiology to ensure product quality, shelf life, and consumer safety.
- Build foundational knowledge in meat inspection, inventory management, and customer service to prepare for careers in retail meat sales.
- Learn from industry professionals through guest speakers, facility tours, and real-world regulatory case studies.
- Explore cutting-edge technologies and maintenance practices for personal and commercial butchery equipment.
Program Locations
Marshfield Campus
2600 West 5th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
Delivery:
Hybrid/Blended
Part-Time or Full-Time
Evening
Varying Class Schedule
View program guide for schedule details
Length of Program: 1 semester or less
Credits: 10
Start Dates: Fall or Spring
What You'll Learn
Outcomes
- Learn the process and best practices of humane livestock harvesting.
- Learn to operate and maintain essential meat processing equipment while staying current with the latest technology and innovations in the meat industry.
- Apply sanitation and microbiology principles to ensure meat safety.
- Manage retail meat sales operations, including inventory, packaging, and customer service.
- Navigate state and county regulatory requirements for meat sales and production compliance.
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Estimated Entire Certificate Cost
Cost based on the 2025/26 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $943.20
- Books: $529.45
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
- Total Estimated Cost: $1,472.65
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is NOT eligible for Financial Aid. Explore other ways to help pay for college.
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending.
Instructors
Careers
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
- Licensure Information
-
Licensure or other certificates may require students to pass additional testing, which may be optional for students. Successful program completion is not determined by successful licensure.
Take the Next Step
“The instructors are great. They are encouraging and always want to see their students succeed—they’re proud when they see students achieving their goals.”
JODILYNN FEIT
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
