Taylor Meads and her father.

Taylor Meads was born and bred for red meat processing. After watching her father work at the local red meat processor for as long as she could remember, Taylor had not imagined one day she and her partner would be working right there too.

Since leaving high school, Taylor has fully realised the benefits of working in one of Australia’s biggest regional industries. It allows her to stay close to family, to support her future, and it instils life-long skills beyond her working environment.

Taylor began as a packer at JBS Dinmore, where spent over three years learning the foundations of the industry. Here, she said she formed some of her best friendships and truly learnt the value of hard work.

“The plant has a great social aspect. I built some of my closest friendships through here,” said Taylor. In 2018, she moved to JBS’ Yanco operations, 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 with JBS. It is an example of how consistent work and a stable income from working in red meat processing enabled Taylor and her partner to set up their own business with confidence.

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

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

Taylor sees a long future for herself in the industry.

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

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

“The opportunities are endless, even for my partner. He has changed from being a personal trainer to starting a work, health and safety role at Smith’s TMP.”

Taylor encourages everyone considering red meat processing to just go for it. She recognises the life skills which processing has given her.

“I used to be very easily told what to do, but in processing I learnt how to be a leader. This job incentivises you on how to step up and guide people on process and procedures and emphasising why quality products matter.”

Taylor is eager to keep learning. She is interested in pursuing her meat science qualifications, certificate 3 and 4 in quality assurance, and spec 4 for lamb.

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

• More to Meat is highlighting 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 on the More to Meat campaign, visit moretomeat.com.au.

Source: AMPC