Southwest Meat Association (SMA) is a leading meat and poultry trade organization representing packers and processors all over the United States. SMA is an organization created to make a difference for its members by initiating opportunities, resolving problems, and thus helping our member companies to earn a reasonable return on their investment.
Membership Benefits:
Advocacy
Networking Opportunities
Educational Programs
HACCP Training & Consulting
Regulatory Assistance
Membership Directory
Nutritional Labeling
Information Services
Annual Convention
Upcoming Events:
WEBINAR: Taking Advantage of Rural Development USDA Loan Programs
Texas based processors tune in January 19 at 2:00pm CST to discover USDA loan programs focused on providing loans in rural areas. All USDA notes are fully amortizing so there are no balloon maturities compared to conventional financing. All borrowers must be Texas based. The borrower’s headquarters may be located in a metropolitan area as long as the project is located in an eligible rural area. See if your establishment qualifies here. Register for the webinar here.
14th Annual Mid-Year Conference
February 15-16, 2022 | Arlington, TX
Join us in Arlington, Texas for SMA’s 14th Annual Mid-Year Conference, “Succeeding in Challenging Times.” This is a unique educational opportunity for meat/food industry executives and managers at all levels, featuring leading experts on a wide range of topics. The combination of excellent speakers and audience interaction will cover many issues that affect your business. This conference has become a “must attend” for many industry leaders and one that you cannot afford to miss. In addition to the excellent speaker program, the conference features a Suppliers’ Reception, offering a fun and relaxing opportunity to network with your industry colleagues. Find more information here.
Thank you to our Mid-Year Conference sponsors!
New/Updated Regulatory Information:
Revised Appendix A– FSIS Cooking Guideline for Meat and Poultry Products
Revised Appendix B- FSIS Stabilization Guideline for Meat and Poultry Products
FSIS Notice 59-21 Availability of Cooking Guideline (Revised Appendix A) and Stabilization Guideline (Revised Appendix B) and Extension of Delayed Implementation of Verification
Latest News:
Dr. Jose Estaban Nominated As USDA-FSIS Undersecretary for Food Safety
“Dr. Esteban has a deep understanding of USDA’s commitment to protect the health of the public by providing food safety. Having held several leadership roles in USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), he has a proven, and extensive, track record on this key issue. Read more. (Source: USDA)
FSIS Reductions to the Cost of Overtime Fees
As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law on March 11, 2021, FSIS received $100 million to reduce the cost of overtime and holiday inspection fees for small and very small plants. The fee reductions are retroactive to October 11, 2020, for establishments who apply and are approved by March 14, 2022. The reduced rates will be offered through fiscal year 2030, or until all funds are expended.
On July 15, FSIS published Federal Register notice 2021-15011 that provides background information and details concerning how the agency will be reducing fees for small and very small plants. Eligible establishments can fill out the Overtime/Holiday Rate Reduction Form and send it to their appropriate district office. When establishments are approved to receive the rate reduction, credits will be issued on the following month’s account statement for fees charged back to October 11, 2020.
When credits are issued on the account statements, establishments can choose to have the credits applied to future billings or request a refund. If establishments choose to leave the credits on their accounts, no action is required. Accounts will automatically deduct the current charges shown on future account statements from the account balance reflected as the total amount due. If an establishment would like a refund, it should call 515-334-2000 and press option 1, or email FSIS.Billing@usda.gov to make an official request for refund. Establishments can also request receiving their account statements via email by using the phone number or email address above. These instructions are also included with the monthly account statements.