MEAT People
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).
Listen on:
Episodes
6 days ago
6 days ago
Neil Dudley and Joe Harris welcome everyone to the show as they discuss the open, friendly environment of the Association, highlight a few impactful SMA members and share the mission of the Association.
Links:
https://southwestmeat.org/
https://southwestmeat.org/hall-of-honor/
https://southwestmeat.org/benefits-of-membership/
2025 SMA Convention Page : https://bit.ly/3GAI5y4
Topics
01:20 Meet Joe Harris: SMA President and CEO
04:12 The Importance of People in Associations
06:26 Memorable Figures in SMA History
18:54 The Evolution of SMA
21:52 Joe Harris' Journey to Meat Science
23:39 Deferring Vet School for Graduate Studies
24:20 First Job at Texas Beef Council
24:54 Career Advice and Industry Insights
26:09 Current Events and Industry Challenges
27:03 Regulatory Compliance and Food Safety
36:55 SMA Convention and Networking
40:19 SMA Foundation and Scholarships
44:37 Starting an Industry Association
47:12 Reflections and Future Plans