Iowa State University is now accepting registrations for its 2026 Fresh Pork Processing Short Course, taking place February 3–5, 2026 at the university’s state-of-the-art Meat Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. The three-day program is designed to deliver an immersive, hands-on learning experience for professionals across the pork value chain.
Enrollment is strictly limited to 14 participants, ensuring maximum interaction, hands-on engagement, and access to leading experts in meat science, pork harvest, fabrication, and modern processing systems.
About the Course
The Fresh Pork Processing Short Course is built for individuals seeking a deep, practical understanding of pork processing—from live animal handling through fabrication, quality management, microbiology, and product development. National and international authorities will lead presentations and demonstrations, showcasing the latest industry technologies and best practices.
The course is beneficial for professionals in:
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Pork harvest and fabrication
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Meat processing and food production
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Live animal production
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Marketing and supply chain roles
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Ingredient and equipment supply companies
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Allied industries supporting pork processors
Iowa State University’s Meat Laboratory provides access to modern equipment and controlled settings for participants to learn directly from seasoned experts.
Topics Covered
Participants will receive instruction and hands-on demonstrations in:
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Animal handling
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Pork harvest
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Antemortem & postmortem inspection
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Pork carcass fabrication
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Accelerate (hot boning) processing
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Basic meat science & pork quality
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Fresh sausage production
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Non-meat ingredients
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Enhanced pork systems
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Basic microbiology
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Microbial carcass sampling
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Antimicrobial & carcass intervention strategies
Schedule & Logistics
The course runs Tuesday through Thursday, with transportation provided daily between the Gateway Hotel and the ISU Meat Laboratory.
Daily Schedule:
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Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (optional evening social)
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Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
A shuttle departs from the Gateway Hotel each day at 7:30 a.m. Participants staying at other properties must meet the shuttle at Gateway.
Meals & Amenities
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Breakfast included with a Gateway Hotel reservation
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Lunch provided each day at the Meat Lab
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All-day refreshments at the Meat Laboratory
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Hosted bar & appetizers at Tuesday’s evening social
Registration & Fees
Registration is now open.
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Course fee: $1,850 per person
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After January 12, 2026: $1,975
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Registration closes: January 23, 2026
The fee includes all course materials, meals, the evening social, and shuttle transportation.
Lodging
A block of rooms is available at the conference hotel:
Gateway Hotel & Conference Center
2100 Green Hills Drive, Ames, IA 50014
Rate: $134/night plus taxes, includes breakfast
Reservations must be made by January 19, 2026 to secure the conference rate.
Changes & Cancellation Policy
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Substitutions allowed at any time
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Cancellations before January 19, 2026: refund minus $50 processing fee
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Cancellations between January 19 and February 2, 2026: 50% refund
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No refunds after February 3, 2026
Contact:
Matt Wenger
mwenger@iastate.edu
| 515-294-9279
