This workshop will explore what producers need to know when working with processors, including how to understand processing methods and align them with their own goals for their animals, as well as the level of control they can expect over the process. We’ll also dive into the realities of producer-owned processing. With recent state and federal grants supporting independent meat and poultry supply chains, more producers are building their own processing plants—but many are also struggling. We’ll address key questions such as why to integrate processing into your business, when federal or state inspection is required, and the staffing and management challenges that come with it. Additionally, we’ll examine the differences between farming and manufacturing mindsets and the potential risks and rewards of vertical integration.