The twelve Meat Cutting and Butchery certificate recipients with Adam Schlafke, Mid-State instructor and Master Meat Crafter; Mark Cournoyer, Auburndale High School agriculture science teacher; Betsy Leonard, Wisconsin Technical College System education director of agriculture, natural resources & STEM; and Randy Romanski, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. (Courtesy Mid-State)

Mid-State recognizes recipients of first Meat Cutting and Butchery certificate

June 7, 2023

Metro Wire Staff

Mid-State Technical College celebrated its first recipients of the Meat Cutting and Butchery certificate in a ceremony at Auburndale High School on Wednesday, May 31.

The 12 students made history as the Wisconsin Technical College System’s first to achieve this type of training through funding provided by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Meat Talent Development Grant.

The certificate recipients were joined by family, friends and community members. Also attending to recognize their accomplishments were Betsy Leonard, Wisconsin Technical College System education director of agriculture, natural resources, STEM, and Randy Romanski, secretary of the Wisconsin DATCP.

Mid-State’s Meat Cutting and Butchery certificate was first launched in November 2022 and consists of nine credits that are completed in six months. The program is led by Adam Schlafke, Mid-State instructor and Master Meat Crafter. Funding for this certificate is available to students on a limited basis, thanks to the DATCP Meat Talent Development Grant.

“We are grateful to be a part of the DATCP grant and for our partnerships with local high schools,” said Dr. Alex Lendved, dean of the Marshfield Campus and Agriculture Programs at Mid-State Technical College. “These collaborations have allowed us to bring career opportunities in butchery and retail meat sales to central Wisconsin.”

There are limited spots available to join the next Meat Cutting and Butchery cohort held at Pittsville High School beginning on July 24. Learn more at mstc.edu/meat-cutting-and-butchery.