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
Meat Industry News: On-Farm Processing, Ground Beef Import Waiver & USDA Ranchers First
bymeatpeople
The first installment of Meat Industry News reviews key U.S. policy and market developments. It discusses President Trump’s statement about expanding farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to process their own food, emphasizing that regulatory details and inspection implications are still unknown, and outlines current options (custom-exempt processing, building inspected facilities, or using inspected regional processors) plus how the PRIME Act could expand in-state direct-to-consumer sales while raising questions about inspection and retail acceptance. The episode highlights food safety, traceability, and consumer trust concerns tied to deregulation and notes that processing is only one part of building a profitable beef business. It also covers a temporary tariff waiver for 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef (100,000 per month Sept. 1–Nov. 30 through 2026), its limited market scale, expected effects mainly on ground beef, and logistics/FSIS re-inspection. USDA updates include the Ranchers First initiative’s BRAND livestock risk protection to encourage heifer retention, SPUR support and a new guaranteed loan concept for small/regional processors, and potential institutional purchasing opportunities for locally processed beef.