MEAT+POULTRY - January 2025 - 75

testimonial to attendees curious about the benefits
they could reap from the tutorial.
" What was a tickle to hear from Justin after he got
back to his shop and he started making bacon with
that recipe we gave him was the atmosphere and the
attitude of his customer base was like, 'This is good
stuff!' and bacon sales took off, " Leiding noted during
the presentation.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
AAMP is a gateway for many processors looking
to hone their craft and draw inspiration from
fellow meatheads. The association has been
an important part of Earlywine's entry into the
industry, so much so that he has gotten involved
in serving on the board of his local chapter, the
Illinois Association of Meat Processors.
Being short on time as is - just as every meat
processor can likely relate to - Earlywine was
hesitant to join at first. But remembering all the help
that was given to him, he chose to pour it back into the
industry and join the board as a director.
" If you're going to be a part of something, that's not
something bad to be a part of, " he said.
Earlywine chooses to use his newfound knowledge
and his business as a way to give back to the
industry and the community. Looking to advise other
processors who may just be starting out in the sector,
Earlywine stressed the importance of joining AAMP.
" I think if you're involved in meat processing and
you're not involved in AAMP, you're doing yourself a
disservice, " he said.
Forming a network of trusted industry
professionals can make a big difference in setting up
a new plant for success. The fragility of the economy
paired with the high pressures placed on meat
processors can make for a wild ride when starting out
in the business. However, Earlywine emboldens others
to embark on a similar path as him - one that comes
with a lot of unexpected twists and turns but has been
well paved thanks to the many feet that have tread the
way before him.
" Don't be intimidated, " Earlywine said. " Don't let
it run your life, which is so easy to say but really hard
to do. Don't let it run you. Find people you trust in the
industry and ask questions. "
Earlywine noted that, above all, none of his journey
into the meat industry would have been possible
without his faith propelling him forward.
" I feel like the Lord's led us to this industry and to
people like Tom and Rick, " he said. " There's no way I
would've left a good full-time job without His calling
me into it. "
IMPROVE
CYIELDS &
ONSISTENCY
Try it at our
Innovation
Center
ftiinc.org/innovation
Achieve consistent yields and
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from being overcooked and undercooked on the same
rack. You'll see consistent color from top to bottom -
giving you greater yields and better profits.
Learn more about our ovens at iinc.org/ovens.
www.meatpoultry.com | 01.25 | MEAT+POULTRY 75
FTIINC.ORG/OVENS
309.588.4803
http://www.ftiinc.org/innovation http://www.iinc.org/ovens http://www.FTIINC.ORG/OVENS
MEAT+POULTRY - January 2025

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