WAUSAU, WIS. — Northcentral Technical College (NTC), based in Wausau, Wis., announced the grand opening of its fully farm-integrated butchery program, designed to educate the next generation of Wisconsin meat processors. The Pasture to Plate Butchery program is complete with a 1,300-square-foot “cold lab” that testifies to NTC’s commitment to providing cutting-edge training.
By earning a Pasture to Plate Butchery Certificate, students are equipped with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in all aspects of the meat production process, from sourcing livestock to humane harvest to preparing cuts for consumption to retail sales. Through a combination of classroom instruction, practical training and field experiences, students will gain proficiency in humane handling and slaughter under inspection, meat processing, sausage making, HACCP principles and butcher shop marketing and management skills.
“We are thrilled to introduce our Pasture to Plate Butchery program as an extension of our Culinary Arts education on campus,” said Culinary Arts Faculty Chef Travis Teska. “As the demand for locally sourced, high-quality meats continues to grow, NTC is leading the way in preparing skilled professionals who can meet this demand while promoting ethical and sustainable practices.”
Program curriculum topics include:
- Animal anatomy and physiology
- Livestock selection and breeding
- Humane handling and welfare
- Meat fabrication and utilization
- Sanitation and HACCP principles
- Marketing and entrepreneurship in the meat industry
With an emphasis on farm-to-table principles, the course educates students on the entire supply chain, demonstrating how informed decisions at every stage of meat production are possible.
Students will have the opportunity to engage directly with livestock operations and gain real-world insights into sustainable agriculture practices through partnerships with local farmers and NTC’s Agriculture Center of Excellence.
NTC is currently accepting applications for the Pasture to Plate Butchery program for the upcoming academic year. Tuition may be partially or fully reimbursed by state grants, the college noted.
