Why Taylor sees a long-term future in red meat processing

Taylor Meads and her father.

Taylor Meads was born and bred to process red meat. After watching her father work at the local red meat processor for as long as she could remember, Taylor never imagined that she and her partner would one day work there too.

Since leaving high school, Taylor has fully appreciated the benefits of working in one of Australia’s largest regional industries. It allows her to stay close to her family, support her future and provides lifelong skills that extend beyond her work environment.

Taylor started as a packer at JBS Dinmore, where he spent over three years learning the ropes of the industry. It was here, she said, that she made some of her best friends and truly learned the value of hard work.

“The facility has a great social aspect. This is where I built some of my closest friendships,” Taylor said. In 2018, she moved to JBS’s Yanco operation, working in quality assurance before moving into production control.

This move enabled Taylor and her partner to purchase a gym, with her partner working as a personal trainer and Taylor continuing her work at JBS. It’s an example of how consistent work and a stable income from working in red meat processing allowed Taylor and her partner to confidently start their own business.

This year, Taylor and her partner made the decision to sell their gym, move to Wodonga in Victoria and both take jobs at Smith’s Tallangatta Meat Processor (TMP). The decision was made even easier for Taylor because her father had recently taken the same step.

“I followed my family. When my dad decides to get a new job, it’s like we all decide to get a new job. Dad has been working in meat processing for over 30 years. Growing up, my sister and I were very lucky,” Taylor said.

Taylor sees a long future in the industry.

“No two days are the same. You talk to different people every day. There’s always someone to talk to and something new is happening.”

“Even if you start on the ground, you never get stuck there. There is always something new to achieve.”

“The possibilities are endless, including for my partner. He has progressed from a personal trainer to a health and safety role at Smith’s TMP.”

Taylor encourages anyone thinking about incorporating red meat to give it a try. She recognizes the life skills that processing has taught her.

“I used to be told what to do very easily, but through processing I learned how to be a leader. This job will encourage you to guide your employees on processes and operations and emphasize why quality products are important.”

Taylor is eager to continue learning. She is interested in continuing her qualifications in Meat Science, Certificate 3 and 4 in Quality Assurance and Specification 4 in Lamb.

“I have thought several times about what I want to do in life. The job is definitely a challenge, but I like the challenge. The industry is growing and I want to grow with it.”

• More to Meat highlights the diverse range of jobs and skills in red meat processing, as well as the industry’s contribution to the local red meat supply chain and the national economy. For more information about the More to Meat campaign, visit moretomeat.com.au.

Source: AMPC