Beloit, Wis.

Administrator Paul Kiecker (pictured, back row, center), toured a large thermal processing plant and observed the complicated process that encompasses the making of chili, which includes thermal processing with a hydrostatic retort. Following the tour, Kiecker spoke with inspection personnel about training, mentorship and inspection challenges.

Kiecker, IPP and plant employees gather in front of the establishment’s iconic chili can. Pictured, front row, from left: Quality and Process Control Manager Änna Good and Frontline Supervisor Dr. Catherine Pierce. Pictured, back row, from left: Plant Manager Roger Vos, Kiecker and Consumer Safety Inspector Nick Gailloreto. Photo by a plant employee.

Jefferson, Wis.

At a very small beef harvest and processing plant, Administrator Paul Kiecker (pictured, left) and Frontline Supervisor Dr. Catherine Pierce (pictured, center) observed the dehiding process with sanitary dressing and the stunning of a beef steer under a verification plan. During the visit, they also discussed the challenges that new plants face.
 
Kiecker spoke with the establishment’s owners about available grants for small plants, while the owners discussed extensive work they have done to ensure humane handling of livestock.

Dr. Pierce also conducted two beef carcass veterinary dispositions, which are examinations of a retained carcass and parts by a public health veterinarian for the purpose of determining if there is a condition that warrants condemnation or additional testing to determine wholesomeness or the fitness of that carcass and parts for use in human food.

Kiecker, Dr. Pierce and Consumer Safety Inspector Kevin Follmann (pictured, right) stand in front of the remodeled retail store attached to the establishment. Photo by a plant employee.

Cottage Grove, Wis.

Administrator Paul Kiecker (pictured, center) and Frontline Supervisor Dr. Catherine Pierce (pictured, second, from right) visit a very small cull cow harvest and processing plant, to pick up the sampling box that is required when testing a tuberculosis granuloma lesion from a beef cow. Kiecker also met with inspection personnel and talked about the Public Health Veterinarian (PHV) COVID vaccination seminar, the direct hiring process, and the harmonious working environment experienced by the inspectors at this establishment. 

Kiecker, Dr. Pierce and inspection personnel gather inside the plant. Pictured, from left: Consumer Safety Inspectors Jenna King and Shay Decker, Kiecker, Dr. Pierce and Supervisory PHV Dr. Catie Hawkins. Photo by a plant employee.