The Southwest Meat Association was founded in 1957 by a group of Texas meat packers who came together to form an organization that would unite packers/processors with the goal of promoting goodwill, friendship, education, legislation, and better labor relations within the meat industry. The association was formally incorporated as the Texas Independent Meat Packers Association, and has evolved through several names into the association it is today. SMA provides information and assistance to packer and processor members across the country, with a scope far exceeding that with which SMA was founded. While our industry operates in an unprecedented regulatory environment, it is increasingly important to establish links with companies of similar interests, and working together, influence positive public policy and promote business growth for the mutual benefit of all members.
Today, SMA assists member companies in 37 states nationwide.
Our Mission
SMA's mission is supporting U.S. processors and their suppliers through networking, advocacy, education, and regulatory expertise.
Vision Statement
SMA’s vision is to be the nation's leading food industry association whose members cultivate a culture of excellence through shared core values, enhancing opportunities for their long-term success.
Core Values
Family
Leadership
Integrity
Excellence
Credibility
Culture
Responsive
Family-oriented
Honest
Loyalty
Inclusive
Actions
Advocacy
Regulatory Support
Technical Assistance
Education
Networking
Information Services
Scholarship Fundraising
What Our Members Are Saying
“Southwest Meat Association provides us a comfort level when dealing with Federal Agencies. Their knowledge base is extensive and the caring and commitment for each member is exceptional. When you have an issue, they quickly help you with a solution. Their ability to reach out to the correct Agency person, anywhere in the country is a difference maker.”
–Ken Cable, Sysco Specialty Meat Group
“Over the years of working together, a meaningful partnership has developed between our company and SMA. We feel this partnership is critical in running a business today.”
–Mark Mar, Quality Sausage Company, Dallas, TX
“Membership in SMA has been invaluable to the success of this company.”
–David Ruff, Morrilton Packing Company
“SMA’s annual conventions are fantastic! The speakers are always quite informative and always current on the topics discussed.”
–Bobby Yarborough, Manda Fine Meats, Baton Rouge, LA
Brian Sapp on the Fatback Pig Project, White Oak Pastures & Building a Meat Business
bymeatpeople
Neil interviews Brian Sapp about his career and the Fatback Pig Project. Sapp explains Fatback began in 2011 by converting an underused 1996 emu plant in Eva, Alabama into a hog slaughter and fabrication facility, backed by partners including Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and others, based on a “three-legged stool” of customer, supply, and distribution. Early plans struggled due to small-plant costs and higher-priced pork for foodservice, but the business was later revived around 2020–2021. Sapp recounts entering meat in 2004 via the University of Florida meat lab and judging, then being hired by Will Harris to build and run White Oak Pastures’ processing plant in 2008, learning he needed help to scale. He discusses SMA’s value, cash-flow pressures, and leaving slaughter in 2023 for relief, briefly consulting before returning as Fatback’s operating partner, and mentions Burning Tree Smokehouse/Barbecue opened in Birmingham in March.