Partnerships have been a critical component of MPSC’s success throughout our 30-year history. We’re proud to have built strong relationships with academic institutions, industry organizations, and government agencies, all working toward a common goal: advancing innovation within the global meat industry in ways that respect people, animals, and nature.
Our Rinse & ChillⓇ technology is the result of decades of research and development, supported by extensive partnerships leading to numerous studies documenting its efficacy and safety outcomes, ultimately earning USDA “no objection” status in 2004. Today, collaboration remains essential to how MPSC creates value for customers, helping them solve problems faster and improve operational efficiency and performance.
Partnership with the University of Wisconsin – River Falls
MPSC is proud to have developed a close partnership with the University of Wisconsin – River Falls’ Humane Handling Institute (HHI) over the past five years. Our work together began with an opportunity to use university facilities for pilot research on Rinse & ChillⓇ efficacy, and it has since evolved into a partnership that draws upon HHI’s industry-leading work to improve humane handling practices in processing plants of all sizes. Through this partnership, MPSC customers gain access to world-class animal handling training, helping build the skills of plant employees and improve animal welfare practices and outcomes.
HHI is directed by Dr. Kurt Vogel, a professor of Livestock Welfare and Behavior who completed his doctoral research under the guidance of Dr. Temple Grandin, the esteemed professor of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University. Dr. Vogel is known for his practical, solutions-oriented approach–focusing on identifying root causes of problems and finding ways to fix them. This mindset guided research projects conducted at UW – River Falls, analyzing the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) humane animal handling enforcement actions. The research revealed that 90% of enforcement actions are related to improper stunning, indicating a clear need for enhanced training and education of meat processing personnel.
In 2022, thanks to a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, UW – River Falls launched the Humane Handling Institute with the primary purpose to support both people and animals by helping meat operators become more skilled and effective at their jobs, and improving the end-of-life experience for animals. Through education, outreach, and research, the Institute develops humane handlers, stunner operators, and maintenance personnel with a deeper understanding of the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ behind humane handling practices.
Humane Handling Institute Programs
HHI is supported by a dedicated team, including Dr. Karly Anderson, Scientist and Trainer, who leads the Institute’s research program, and Ashlynn Kirk, Program Manager, who oversees workshops and daily operations while serving as a key contact for processing facilities.
Dr. Anderson’s research focuses on the use of animal cadaver heads to study anatomy and tissue, helping optimize bolt stunning placement and technique. “HHI uses an evidence-based approach to training meat plant personnel on proper stunning methods,” according to Dr. Anderson. “Much of that evidence comes from our own research program, which focuses on stun placement for a variety of species.” The work has produced a growing body of peer-reviewed articles and also serves to guide HHI training programs to improve practices within the industry.
Ashlynn Kirk describes the Institute and the culture in their training sessions as one of zero judgment. While some participants in HHI’s workshops have been early adopters and eager to learn, others initially approached the program with a bit of hesitation. As Ashlynn shares, “We have found that individuals who come to our training are quick to warm up and share difficulties they may be experiencing in their plant – both with us and their peers.”
Across all programs, the HHI team works toward a shared goal: partnering with industry professionals to strengthen employee skills and foster greater consumer trust in meat processing.
Value to MPSC Customers
HHI helps to hold up the mirror in plants to identify opportunities for improvement. In animal handling, the goal for plants is legally mandated; compliance with the humane slaughter act means no failure, in other words, zero mis-stuns. HHI’s approach to working with plant employees is to listen, be respectful, and be honest with the plant teams and people they’re supporting. According to the HHI, “If you can do that, then most problems are not insurmountable.”
The partnership between MPSC and HHI is a natural fit. Rinse & ChillⓇ depends on good pre-slaughter handling and stunning practices, and that’s a space that HHI specializes in and can support plants with skill and competence. The HHI team strives to model a positive culture that they hope rubs off on others. When they can do that, everyone wins, including the animals.
The partnership with UW – River Falls and HHI has been instrumental in building the capacity of MPSC’s customers and helping them to enhance operations and animal handling. As CEO Warner Ide explains, “It’s these types of relationships that we at MPSC value – not only to improve our services and products, but to support our customers’ success. We’re fortunate to have an internationally recognized program like HHI practically in our backyard, and now we can tap into their training and research programs to add value for our customers.”
A Partnership that Drives Progress
Since strong partnerships are often a key ingredient to thriving businesses, extending the benefits of MPSC’s partnerships to our customers creates opportunities for shared growth and continuous improvement in animal welfare practices. By bringing together new perspectives and technical expertise, MPSC and HHI are delivering lasting value for the meat industry that would be difficult to achieve alone.
To learn more about HHI’s work and how to get involved, visit https://www.uwrf.edu/humane-handling-institute.