Wolf Pack Meats operating in the black, increasing production, training workforce

The University of Nevada, Reno has been operating Wolf Pack Meats at its Main Station ranch, part of the University’s Experiment Station unit, since 1967, harvesting, processing and producing fresh local meat for local ranchers, as well as conducting research and educating students in animal science and meat processing. But, the operation has faced challenges keeping up with the local demand from ranchers at times, as well as operating a financially sustainable operation. A little over a year and half ago, in March 2023, JD Hoagland, CEO of his own processing plant in Homedale, Idaho, was awarded a two-year contract to turn that around. He and his team have now turned that corner.

“With the tremendous turnaround, Wolf Pack Meats is now on much sounder financial footing and rapidly approaching the break-even mark,” said Amilton de Mello, associate professor with the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, who oversees the College’s animal science programs. “We’re able to serve more producers, as well as supply the Northern Nevada Food Bank and Pack Provisions with some fresh local meat. We’ve got the right team now.”

One of those team members is Tom Kulas, operations manager who came on board about a year before Hoagland and serves as the University’s main liaison for ranchers, educators and customers, as well as oversees day-to-day operations at the facility. Kulas dug up figures on the number of animals the facility has harvested over the last few years.

“We’re on track to double the amount this year, compared to 2022,” he said. “It’s just much more efficient, a much more focused operation.”

Kulas says by the end of the year, with what’s booked now, the facility is on track to harvest 989 animals. That compares to 474 animals harvested in 2022. He says the facility is pretty much booked up, in terms of harvesting and processing for producers, through the end of the year. At times in the past, there was up to a one-year waiting list.