The Legacy and Future of Yoakum Packing

On this episode of #TheMeatPeople, Neil Dudley hosts Tyler, Sherri and Glen Kusak of Yoakum Packing in Yoakum, Texas. The discussion covers the rich history of their family business, the evolution of their operations from slaughtering to meat processing, and the importance of their involvement with the Southwest Meat Association (SMA). We hear personal testimonies about growing up within the business, the pivotal decisions that shaped its current form, and the family dynamics in play. The conversation also highlights the SMA Foundation's endowment and scholarship fund, and its vital role in supporting the meat industry. This episode offers a blend of personal stories, business insights, and the significance of familial bonds in a family-operated enterprise.

Visit

Legacy Campaign- https://southwestmeat.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Legacy-Campaign-Packet-6.25.25-1.pdf

Farmpac- https://www.farmpac.com/

SMA- https://southwestmeat.org/

Convention Registration- https://web.cvent.com/event/9a217d35-cb6f-4899-85cc-6bd385d6af76/summary

SMA Foundation page- https://southwestmeat.org/sma-foundation/

 

Topics

00:53 Family Ties and SMA Involvement

02:03 History of Yoakum Packing

03:37 Generational Shifts and Business Evolution

07:15 Challenges and Changes in the Meat Industry

09:36 Family Dynamics and Business Roles

15:16 Leadership and Future Prospects

22:40 Reflecting on Moving Back to a Small Town

23:19 Learning the Meat Industry

24:19 Challenges of Business Ownership

25:44 Marketing and Online Business

26:15 Key People in the Company

30:12 Family Dynamics in Business

32:13 Thoughts on Retirement

33:35 SMA Endowment Fund

41:23 Community Engagement and Events

43:01 Closing Remarks and Future Plans