Meat Workforce Development Program

Staci Emm

Extension Professor - Reno, NV

Staci Emm has been the Extension Educator in Mineral County since 2004 and serves as the principal link between the University, the residents of Mineral County, and Nevada tribes. She leads educational programs, outreach efforts, and research initiatives to support Nevada’s agricultural and rural communities. Staci played a key role in developing the Meat Workforce Development Program, which was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to increase access to local meat products and address the state’s limited meat processing capacity. The program provides training and certifications in meat harvest and processing for beef, lamb, pork, and poultry, equipping participants with the skills needed to support Nevada’s meat industry. She has also been instrumental in expanding tribal agricultural programs and business development resources across the state. Staci's expertise includes Indian land tenure, agricultural water rights, business planning, and financial management.

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Jamie Lee

Coordinator

Jamie is responsible for administration of the Mobile Harvest Unit which provides humane and efficient harvest operations, intern and workforce development classes and training. There is a need in the food industry for more skilled individuals in the meat plants, such as butchers and plant operators. We provide workshops throughout Nevada to increase knowledge of harvesting and processing meat and poultry products and value added products. Other topics of workshops covered include food safety protocols, equipment safety, HACCP plan development.

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Austin Yohey

Butcher/Trainer - Extension

Austin Yohey is a Butcher and Trainer with the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, currently supporting operations for the Mobile Harvest Unit (MHU) under the Nevada Food Business Center. Austin began his career with the university in 2014 at Wolf Pack Meats, where he spent eight years contributing to daily operations and livestock processing. Following his tenure at Wolf Pack Meats, he transitioned to working with Extension on the launch and development of Nevada’s first USDA-inspected mobile processing trailer. Over the past two and a half years, he has played a key role in troubleshooting operations, supporting regulatory compliance, and advancing mobile meat processing infrastructure in the state. Areas of expertise include meat processing operations, USDA regulatory procedures, mobile unit logistics, and facility management.

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Lindsay Chichester

4-H Program Leader - Extension

Lindsay Chichester is the State 4-H Program Leader for Nevada and an Associate Professor with the University of Nevada, Reno Extension. She earned an M.A. in speech with an emphasis in crisis communication, an M.A. in animal science, and a Ph.D. in Systems Agriculture with an emphasis in meat science. Lindsay has worked in Extension for 14 years, with expertise in animal well-being, agriculture systems, meat science and consumerism, beekeeping, and youth development.

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Carol Bishop

Extension Professor

Carol Bishop is an Extension Professor specializing in business management, entrepreneurship, and agricultural economic development. She is experienced in business planning, feasibility analysis, and financial management, helping Nevada producers and small businesses navigate the complexities of the agricultural industry. She has worked extensively on programs designed to expand local food systems, strengthen small farm viability, and improve access to USDA resources. Through her leadership, she continues to support Nevada’s agricultural and food business communities, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic growth.

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Dr. Amilton de Mello

Associate Professor – CABNR

Dr. de Mello is an associate professor at UNR's College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources. His extensive industry background, allied with his academic experience, allows him to understand the needs of small and large producers and carefully guide them through technical and regulatory challenges. While working in the industry, he held quality assurance and food safety managerial positions where he liaised with customers and regulatory agencies. His academic research focuses on improving animal protein using a farm-to-fork approach. Domestic and international companies have used meat processing methodologies developed in his laboratory to improve robust food safety systems. He provided guidance for numerous establishments and also served as a member of USDA National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection. Dr. de Mello is the official USDA HACCP coordinator for Nevada. His work is widely recognized for bridging scientific innovation with practical application, making him a trusted expert in meat science, food safety, and regulatory compliance.

CONTACT Dr. De Mello