Meats and Poultry
Meat Industry Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2024
The Meat Industry Hall of Fame is proud to welcome its latest round of inductees and invites all meat and poultry industry stakeholders to congratulate its Class of 2024.
After nominations solicited from the industry and voting by past inductees of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame, please join us in honoring these six newest members of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame:
- Dr. Barb Masters, Tyson Foods
- Glen Dolezal, Cargill. retired
- Robert Meyer, Meyer Natural Foods
- Frederick Usinger IV, Usinger Inc.
- Roger Ball, King B Jerky
- Craig Hess, Speco Inc.
To celebrate the Meat Industry Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024, MIHOF is once again hosting its annual in-person honors ceremony, with this year’s induction reception planned to take place July 25, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. during the AAMP American Convention of Meat Processors & Suppliers’ Exhibition in Kansas City, Mo.
The reception is sponsored by Multivac, Diamond Sponsor and Reiser, Gold Sponsor.
The Hall of Fame originated in 2009 to enshrine the leaders and legends whose visions, skills and dedication have shaped and sustained our industry. The National Provisioner, a media brand established in 1891 to serve the business needs of meat, poultry, seafood and other protein processors, administers and organizes MIHOF, along with support from the MIHOF Board of Trustees.
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Meat Institute Hires Fulton as Director of Animal Health and Welfare
The Meat Institute has hired Jesse Fulton, M.S., to serve as the director of animal health and welfare.
“Jesse Fulton is an excellent addition to the Meat Institute staff, bringing a wealth of knowledge in the field of animal science and real-world experience working for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance program,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Jesse oversees our Animal Welfare Guidelines and Audit, as well as key policies and standards that ensure the industry is continuously improving in the areas of animal health, handling and care.”
As the director of animal health and welfare at the Meat Institute, Fulton provides timely assistance, analysis, guidance, and technical support for the meat and poultry packing and processing industry on various topics, including animal production, health, handling, welfare, foreign animal disease, veterinary drugs, and pathology. As the staff liaison to the Animal Welfare Committee, Fulton ensures members have a forum for discussing issues, sharing best practices, and establishing industry-wide positions. He provides technical support to other committees and represents the Meat Institute at external meetings and before government agencies on animal health and welfare issues.
Before joining the Meat Institute, Fulton spent five years with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and nearly five years with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he directed the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance program.
Fulton received his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Morehead State University, his Master of Science in Animal Science from South Dakota State University with research focusing on beef cattle fetal programming, and is pursuing his Doctorate of Philosophy in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln with his research focusing on ruminant nutrition.
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Oscar Mayer Brings Back Iconic ‘Bologna Song’
In 1974, Oscar Mayer aired “The Bologna song” commercial for the first time, capturing the American zeitgeist and teaching people coast to coast how to spell B-O-L-O-G-N-A. Now, 50 years later, Oscar Mayer re-introduces the world to the iconic ad, the longest running jingle in advertising history, all while rewarding fans who sing along.
Complete with the same 1970s camera quality and original lyrics for fans to sing loud and proud, Oscar Mayer re-aired “The Bologna song” original commercial to millions nationwide during the big Thanksgiving football game last week. To delight those who grew up loving the jingle and those who may have seen it for the first time, Oscar Mayer is commemorating the song’s anniversary with the debut of “Sing To Pay”—giving fans nationwide who correctly sing its lyrics the opportunity to cash in on free groceries, including delicious Oscar Mayer Bologna.
“50 years ago, we introduced the world to ‘The Bologna song,’ as a way to spotlight our delicious deli meats and cement the brand’s legacy and mantra of uniting millions around a love of meat,” said Shelby Max, brand manager for Oscar Mayer. “We knew this anniversary was a moment that needed to be celebrated in a big way, both for those who remember and those that are new. By re-airing the original ad and becoming the first brand to accept singing as a form of payment, we want to remind fans everywhere that bologna has a first name – it’s O-S-C-A-R.”
Now through Sunday, Dec. 15, fans can submit an audio recording correctly singing “The Bologna song” lyrics to SingtoPay.com and could receive an Instacart credit to use on Oscar Mayer Bologna and any other groceries, while supplies last. Any and all singing abilities welcome!
The fun doesn’t stop there – fans in select cities nationwide can warm up their vocal cords because the iconic Wienermobile is bringing “Sing to Pay” to fans in real life. Lucky individuals who spot the 27-foot hot dog on wheels now through Sunday, Dec. 15 can sing “The Bologna song” lyrics to the vehicle’s Hotdoggers and if correct, receive free Oscar Mayer Bologna.
To learn more about the history of “The Bologna song” and all about “Sing to Pay,” visit SingtoPay.com and follow @OscarMayer on Instagram and TikTok.
We are driving transformation at The Kraft Heinz Company, inspired by our Purpose, Let’s Make Life Delicious. Consumers are at the center of everything we do. With 2023 net sales of approximately $27 billion, we are committed to growing our iconic and emerging food and beverage brands on a global scale. We leverage our scale and agility to unleash the full power of Kraft Heinz across a portfolio of eight consumer-driven product platforms. As global citizens, we’re dedicated to making a sustainable, ethical impact while helping feed the world in healthy, responsible ways. Learn more about our journey by visiting www.kraftheinzcompany.com or following us on LinkedIn.
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