About the Cured Meat Short Course
With a focus on the technology of cured meat processing, short course topics range from lectures on basic meat science to demonstrations of processing techniques. Speakers, nationally and internationally recognized authorities in their fields, will provide information about the latest technology available.
Enrollment for this short course is limited to 60 participants, you will have ample opportunity to have your questions answered directly by the speakers and staff. Iowa State University's modern meat laboratory facilities allow you to observe demonstrations in a setting that provides access to the latest technology.
Audience
This short course is designed for persons with supervisory, production, and technical responsibilities in commercial meat processing operations. It will also provide valuable information for those in marketing and supplier industries.
Topics Covered
- Basic meat science
- Non-meat ingredients
- Natural condensed smoke application
- End point temperature evaluation
- Bacon manufacturing
- Casings and molds
- Use of nettings
- Ham manufacturing
- Injection systems
- Microbiology of cured meat
- Thermal processing
Location and Shuttle
The Cured Meat Short Course will be held at the Iowa State University Meat Laboratory. Parking is not available near the Meat Laboratory so a shuttle bus will transport you between the Gateway Hotel and the ISU Meat Laboratory. If you will be staying at a hotel other than the Gateway, it will be your responsibility to meet the shuttle departing from the Gateway Hotel each morning at 7:30 a.m.
Schedule
The shuttle will depart the Gateway Hotel each morning at 7:30 a.m. for the ISU Meat Laboratory. See the Location and Shuttle section for more details.
- Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. with an optional evening social
- Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday: 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Meals/Social Events
- Breakfast: included with your hotel room at Gateway (if you made your reservation outside of the Cured Meat Short Course block, breakfast may not be included in the price)
- Lunch: will be provided on Tuesday and Wednesday
- Breaks: coffee, soda, bottled water and snacks will be available all day at the Meat Laboratory
- Evening social: hosted bar and appetizers on Tuesday evening at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center
Registration
Information will be posted fall of 2026