OMAHA, NEB. – In the opening session of the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) Convention of Meat Processors and Suppliers Exhibition on Aug. 1, Tom Eickman, outgoing president of AAMP and president and chief executive officer of Eickman’s Processing Co., introduced the keynote speaker, his uncle, Tom Oar, of the History Channel’s “Mountain Men.” 

Oar, a well-known trapper around the country, told tales of his life in the American West, including competing in rodeos in 44 states and building an off-the-grid cabin in the wilderness of Montana, where he lived with his wife for many years.

“It’s been a neat thing, it’s been a strange life,” Oar said when looking back on his life. “The only job I ever had was driving a bone truck. All the rest of it was what we did to make our money, whether it was the rodeo, the tanning, or the trapping.”

Before Oar spoke, Eickman and Chris Young, executive director of AAMP, gave out several awards during the opening day.

The association presented its Outstanding Service Award to Dianne Handsaker, who has worked as executive secretary of both the Illinois and Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors.

Young said this award recognizes noteworthy state, regional, and provincial associations or remarkable leaders whose dedication and enthusiasm have elevated an association to an outstanding degree. He also noted her commitment to the industry for 20 years in Illinois and now working with meat processors in Wisconsin.

“The 2024 AAMP Outstanding Service Award recognizes a person who has worked tirelessly within their state association to ensure the success of not only the association but also its members,” Young said of Handsaker. “For years she has worked to strengthen an association that was in need strong of leadership, and she has provided that.”

Before receiving the award, Young highlighted Handsaker’s experience growing up in the meat industry, which allowed her to understand different production and processing areas. During her career she worked in cattle raising, meat processing and in the restaurant areas of the meat business.

“With that well-rounded knowledge and involvement on many sides of the industry, Dianne can easily talk to processor members about issues they may be having and direct them to the right party that will have the answers. Oftentimes, she will take it upon herself to make the contact and get the answers,” AAMP noted during the convention. 

AAMP officials presented twin brothers, Joshua and Logan Hering of Perkins, Okla., with the Stephen F. Krut Scholarship. Both Herings will use the money to help them continue their education at Oklahoma State University.

The final award from the opening session was the FW Witt Supplier of the Year, which was presented to Kerres USA.

“Each year, Kerres USA is active in supporting not only AAMP but also its state affiliates, always willing to help with seminars and other activities to support the organization and its members,” the association said. “Kerres USA has also been generous in its sponsorships of AAMP, its affiliates and other special programs designed to support small processors.”

During the opening session, Paul Kiecker, administrator of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS),  provided an update on the agency’s latest topics that would affect small meat processors.

Kiecker started by discussing the USDA’s proposed rule to reduce Salmonella in raw poultry products, which could have significant effects on meat plants around the country. 

He stressed the importance of meat processors’ and stakeholders’ comments during the 60 days the proposed rule is posted the Federal Register. 

“We consider all of the comments before we go ahead with the final rule, so don’t wait for the final rule to come out if there’s something in there that you feel strongly about,” Kiecker said to the AAMP members. “Make sure to comment on that.”

Kiecker also mentioned the new ‘Product of USA’ label claim for meat, poultry, and eggs that will apply to products derived only from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. The voluntary rule goes into effect in Jan. 2026.