The need for qualified animal handling and meat processing employees is in high demand throughout the USA. The WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has provided funding for interested students to complete this technical diploma. As a student in the Artisanal Modern Meat Butchery program, you’ll learn about the meat production industry – from care and handling pre-mortem through packaged products ready for retail sale. In this program, you will also participate in an internship with a local meat processing facility, butcher shop, or harvester.

Skills learned include:

  • Meat industry knowledge and history
  • Humane handling practices, selection, and care of animals
  • Carcass fabrication, identification, and further processing methods
  • Meat labeling, packaging, and retail operations
  • Food safety and sanitation practices following ServSafe principles

Students who complete the Artisanal Modern Meat Butchery program can utilize this education to:

  • Begin a career as a butcher or slaughter-person
  • Continue post-secondary education in animal sciences
  • Utilize skills for at-home or on-farm processing and storage

Program Highlights

  • Short-term Technical Diploma: Three classes in the fall semester of 2024 and one class and internship in the spring semester of 2025.
  • Hybrid Classes: Eight in-person labs on Saturdays, five in-person field trips, and limited weekday online coursework.
  • Industry Training: Work with meat-focused businesses to gain hands-on experience with local professionals in your 144 hour internship.
  • Grant Funded: Thanks to the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Meat Talent Development grant, tuition funding is available through December 31, 2024.

The Artisanal Modern Meat Butchery program is being offered at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College campus in Fennimore, WI. For more information, please contact Heather Oppor by emailing Heather.

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  • Overview

  • Is This Program for You?

    If you have good hand eye coordination, memory retention, and are interested in working with meat and providing quality products to customers, you might consider a career as a butcher. While many butchers work for supermarkets or factories, many are self-employed.

    Students entering the Artisanal Modern Meat Butchery program should:

    • Be able to lift 30 pounds
    • Have respect for the care and humane handling of animals
    • Pay attention to details and neatness
    • Prioritize safety and sanitation
    • Have good hand-eye coordination
    • Think creatively

    Program Basics

    • This program is open to ages 16+
    • Classes are scheduled to be held at the Southwest Wisconsin Technical College campus in Fennimore, WI.
    • The program will include on-line, in-person, and hands-on learning and participation.
  • Curriculum & Costs
  • Requirements

  • Admission and Program Requirements

    • Submit Application
    • To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
    • Admissions Meeting: After applying and submitting transcripts, work with your advisor to begin or continue your student success plan to talk about your career interests and goals, develop a plan for paying for college, learn about various funding options, create an academic map, and discuss supports and services. Schedule an admissions meeting by clicking "Make an appointment" with your program advisor.

    Helpful Academic Background

    • Agriculture, animal science and culinary arts
    • Written and oral communications

    Program Fees

    • Tuition for this program is funded through the Meat Talent Development grant thanks to the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
    • This program is not eligible for financial aid.
    • Students are responsible for the following costs and fees: $80.73 SWTC Activity Fee, $27.00 Completion Fee, costs associated with knife kit, cut glove and butcher coat.
  • Outcomes

  • Program Outcomes

    At the completion of this program, students are expected to be able to:

    • Examine components of a farm-to-table meat production system.
    • Prepare whole muscle and value-added products for consumption.
    • Merchandise meat for sale.
    • Properly handle and store meat in accordance with HACCP principles.
  • Career Opportunities

  • Southwest Tech’s Career Connection Center offers services to assist students looking for job placement.

    Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

  • Transfers

  • Southwest Tech has entered into numerous post-secondary transfer agreements with area colleges and universities to support our graduates' continuing education. Students interested in transferring Artisanal Modern Meat Butchery credits to other colleges or universities are  strongly encouraged  to check with the receiving institution first, prior to enrolling in coursework at Southwest Tech.

This project was supported, in whole or in part, by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). The views expressed in written materials, publications, speakers, and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of DATCP; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the State of Wisconsin.