Lacy Bates

Processors must leverage employment-based immigration and domestic recruitment to manage labor shortages while embracing technological solutions. 

SMA represents member companies in more than 30 states.

Four-day event features networking and educational opportunities for meat and poultry industry stakeholders at any level.

Last summer, I published an article outlining eight acts before Congress that every meat processor should be aware of. 

Lacy Bates, membership development manager of Southwest Meat Association, asked Chris Watson of Energy by 5 what the meat and poultry industry can expect from the energy market in 2024.

The expense of EPR will ultimately lie in the hands of meat and poultry processors.

A Southwest Meat Association leader shares how processors can positively influence safe food handling practices for consumers.

On Jan. 7, 2023, member-elects of the 118th Congress were sworn into the Senate and House of Representatives. Following the 2022 midterm elections, the Democratic Party retains control of the Senate, and Republicans reclaimed control of the House.

Holmes Foods is located in Nixon, Texas, approximately an hour south of San Antonio. 

In the February issue of Independent Processor, I gave a brief background about a long-standing Southwest Meat Association’s (SMA) member of 50-plus years, Columbia Packing Co. Columbia Packing is an independent family-owned business, located in Ennis, Texas, approximately 40 miles south of Dallas along Interstate 45. Follow along to a quick Q&A interview Amber Ondrusek, the first woman president of Columbia Packing Co.