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
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
In this episode we welcome Amber Ondrusek from Columbia Packing, a 100-year-old family-owned meat business. Amber shares the rich history of the company, starting with her great-grandfather Joseph's journey from Czechoslovakia in 1913 to its official incorporation in 1923. Amber discusses the evolution of the business through various generations, the challenges and successes faced along the way, and the dynamics of being a woman in the traditionally male-dominated meat industry. The conversation also dives into the importance of family, the adaptation to changing times with new facilities, and the significance of being part of the SMA community. Notably, Amber highlights the role of long-term employees and family members in maintaining the company's legacy and values. This episode is a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship, family bonds, and community within the meat industry.
More on Amber at http://columbiapacking.com/
Topics
01:40 History of Columbia Packing
03:59 Challenges and Changes in the Meat Industry
07:00 Family Legacy and Leadership Transition
17:19 Modern Operations and Facilities
18:04 Building the Smokehouse from Scratch
18:36 Challenges of an 80-Year-Old Plant
19:02 Rusty's Strategic Layout
20:33 Generational Transition and Finance
22:07 Learning and Mentorship
25:36 The Value of SMA Community
30:11 Balancing Tradition and Business
32:17 Employee Contributions and Legacy
34:17 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
In this episode of the Meat People podcast, Neil sits down with Rick Kimbrell, founder of StartKleen Legacy, to discuss his career and contributions to the food safety and sanitation industry. The conversation covers Rick's family legacy in the business, the early struggles and successes in establishing StartKleen, and the importance of leadership and training programs. Rick also shares personal anecdotes about growing up in a family involved with the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) and how this shaped his career. The episode highlights the evolving nature of the meat processing industry and the significant challenges and rewards of building and maintaining a business in this field.
Topics
00:46 Meet Rick Kimbrell: A Journey in the Industry
01:48 The Founder's Story: Rick Kimbrel and Start Clean
03:12 Leadership and Training at Start Clean
06:53 Family Legacy and Business Beginnings
11:21 Building and Growing Start Clean
17:41 Sales, Marketing, and Team Dynamics
20:05 The Essence of Selling and Community
20:31 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
20:49 Understanding the Meat Industry
21:48 Educating the Next Generation
23:04 Building a Legacy
26:25 Riding for the Brand
29:04 The Importance of Food Safety
30:19 Promoting the SMA and Career Opportunities
35:38 Farm Experiences and Visitor Reactions
37:04 Innovative Farm Accommodations
40:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
Lacy Bates, SMA Membership Development Manager, joins Neil Dudley to discuss SMA’s upcoming 69th Annual Convention & Suppliers' Showcase at the Hyatt Hill Country in July. Lacy and Neil give a brief review of what to expect at this year's convention, including the speaker lineup, SMA Foundation scholarship fundraising efforts, and the family friendly atmosphere.
Links: https://southwestmeat.org/
2025 SMA Convention Page : https://bit.ly/3GAI5y4
Topics
00:51 Guest Introduction: Lacy Bates
02:23 Importance of Networking at the Convention
03:04 Details of the 69th Annual Convention
06:20 Golf Tournament and Scholarship Fundraising
10:18 Scholarship Program and Fundraising Efforts
13:29 Supplier Showcase and Networking Opportunities
17:43 Challenges and Goals for Future Conventions
20:53 Discussing the Convention Experience
21:38 Convention Costs and Value
23:13 Accommodation and Networking
24:20 Importance of Participation
24:47 Speaker Lineup and Topics
25:44 Immigration and Employment Labor
27:09 Regulatory Landscape and Legislation
29:53 Food Safety and Pathogens
31:16 Foreign Material Detection
32:28 Dealing with Animal Activism
36:40 Scholarship Fundraising and Recognition
39:05 Chairman's Dinner and Dance
39:53 Best of the Wurst Sausage Contest
40:28 Thanking the Sponsors
41:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
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