Free event May 14 will unveil industry-first resource and grant opportunities
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) will unveil an exciting industry-first resource during its upcoming event, AURI Connects: Webinar Wednesday, hosted via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. CT on May 14. The webinar is free of charge, but registration is required.
The webinar will showcase a new meat processor benchmarking tool developed by Christianson Benchmarking in collaboration with AURI and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. The tool enables very small- to small-sized meat processing businesses to compare their financial and operational performance against industry peers, highlighting their strengths and pinpointing areas for improvement.
AURI will cover the cost of a one-year benchmarking subscription for the first 40 subscribers who are Minnesota-based meat processors.
“This could provide breakthrough opportunities for smaller processors,” says Clay Newton, meat innovation specialist at AURI. “Having a point of comparison with other processors similar in size – all while maintaining confidentiality – will allow businesses to set goals, make informed business decisions, and stay competitive.”
Along with highlighting the new benchmarking tool, the webinar will feature an expert from the Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence, who will share the importance of benchmarking tools and relevant industry examples. Minnesota Department of Agriculture staff will also discuss new grant opportunities available to Minnesota-based meat processors.
Speakers will include:
- Clay Newton, Meat Innovation Specialist, AURI
- Connie Lindstrom, Sr. Biofuels Analyst, Christianson & Associates
- Tina LeBrun, Executive Director, MN State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence
- Maya Benedict, Food & Ag Business Development Administrator, MN Department of Agriculture
To attend the webinar about the new meat processor benchmarking tool, register here.
AURI Connects: Webinar Wednesday is a recurring webinar series hosted by AURI. Each webinar explores different aspects of the food and ag sectors in Minnesota – from resources for food entrepreneurs to innovations in coproducts and biobased energy. The 2025 Webinar Wednesday series is sponsored by Bremer Bank and Minnesota Farmers Union.
ABOUT AURI
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute is a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate the expansion of the agricultural economy by empowering expanded uses and markets of agriculturally derived products. It accomplishes this by using science and technology to help develop new uses for agricultural products. It collaborates globally, acts regionally, and is known as an economic catalyst for Minnesota with a focus on bioindustrial products and food. AURI provides a broad range of services, including applied research and development, scientific assistance, and a targeted network across the value chain to foster collaboration. To learn more, visit auri.org.
