Advanced Meat Cutting and Butchery

Why Advanced Meat Cutting and Butchery?

Butchery is both a craft and a science—where skill, precision, and creativity come together to produce quality meat products. In this program, you will learn to process, prepare, and present meats with an emphasis on safety, sustainability, and craftsmanship. You will gain the expertise to work confidently with beef, pork, lamb, poultry, game, and specialty meats while understanding every step of the farm-to-fork process.

At Mid-State, you will apply your skills by processing meats and preparing products that are sold directly to customers. Students complete 950 hours of intensive hands-on training in a fully equipped meat processing environment at Auburndale High School. Guided by experienced instructors, including a Master Meat Crafter and successful business owners, you’ll gain the confidence, technical skills, and experience needed to succeed in this growing field.

Practice hands-on skills in humane processing, carcass fabrication, and portion control.
Explore advanced techniques in sausage making, curing, and fermentation.
Earn industry-recognized credentials, including ServSafe^® and retail meat cutting certificates.
Work with professional equipment such as bandsaws, grinders, and curing chambers.
Collaborate with experts through strong state, county, and industry partnerships.
Prepare for in-demand roles in meat processing, retail, or entrepreneurial ventures.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

28 Credits

Degree Type

Technical Degree

Program Length

One Year

Delivery Method

Hybrid

Location

Marshfield, Offsite

Start Dates

Fall

Estimated Program Cost

$6,157.45

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Butcher

Meat Cutter

Meat Clerk

Meat Processor/Owner

$38k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $38,200. Source: Lightcast Data Set

185

Average Monthly Hires

185 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See below for full course details, see the program information guide, or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Fabricate beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and specialty meats using safe and efficient methods.
Apply sanitation standards and HACCP principles to meat processing.
Operate and maintain meat cutting and processing equipment.
Understand and apply microbial principles to meat safety and preservation.
Manage retail meat sales, including packaging, labeling, and customer service.
Create value-added meat products, including sausages, cured, and fermented meats.
Navigate state and county regulations for meat licensure and production compliance.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.

Mid-State Grad

“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.

Mid-State Grad

“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.

Mid-State Grad

“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.

Mid-State Grad

“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.

Mid-State Grad

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.

Mid-State Grad