Northcentral Technical College has opened a Pasture to Plate Butchery program. NTC says the program, complete with a 1,300 square foot ‘cold lab’, positions the college to educate Wisconsin’s next generation of meat processors.
The Pasture to Plate Butchery Certificate aims to equip students with hands-on experience in every aspect of meat production. This includes sourcing livestock, humane harvesting, preparing cuts, and marketing.
The program combines classroom instruction, practical training, and field experiences.
“We are thrilled to introduce our Pasture to Plate Butchery program as an extension of our Culinary Arts education on campus,” says 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.”
The program curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
- 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
A key feature of the program is its emphasis on farm-to-table principles. NTC says students will understand the entire supply chain and make informed decisions at every stage of meat production. Through partnerships with local farmers and NTC’s Agriculture Center of Excellence, students will engage directly with livestock operations.
“As a leading provider of workforce development programs, NTC is committed to preparing graduates who are not only skilled but also socially responsible stewards of the land,” says Teska. “The Pasture to Plate Butchery program exemplifies our dedication to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the modern meat industry while upholding the highest standards of ethics and sustainability.”
Apply now for the Pasture to Plate Butchery Certificate for the upcoming academic year. State grants may partially or fully reimburse tuition: www.ntc.edu/pasture-plate-butchery