Designed to Succeed: New Facility Supports Next-Gen Growth for Family Business
By: Emma Alexander -
Turner Meat Processing began in a small shop on the main thoroughfare of Fair Grove but has expanded into a new facility that will support another generation of successful growth. Located in #Agri-Ready Designated Dallas County, this family business is owned by Darren and Lori (Turner) Fullerton. Darren began his career as a meat processor when he was 19 years old. Darren invested his years of experience into the design of the new facility that will support the longevity of his business and his family’s future.
#Agri-Ready Designated Dallas County. Dallas County agriculture makes an economic impact of $55.0 million in value-added agricultural products, provides more than 2,200 jobs, and adds $61.0 million to Dallas County household incomes each year, according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study. Meat processing is the top agricultural contributor to the county’s economy.
New Facility, Experienced Design
Based on 30 years of experience, Darren designed the new Turner Meat Processing facility with an ergonomic workflow to allow for expansion of the facility in the types and volume of services the business can provide. Live animal processing is physically demanding, and capital improvements are huge hurdles for small family businesses. Darren’s design addresses safety and the financial security of the next generation of his business with paneled alleys and large corners for animal comfort, two carcass hoists to maximize efficiency that are large enough to hang buffalo and elk, and a rail system that moves meat directly through the production process. The shape of the facility will allow for square footage expansion if needed. Darren’s son, Evan, contributed to the design with his expertise in construction management.
Adding More Family to the Family Business
Cydney Fullerton, Darren’s daughter, is the third generation of her family to process meat. Her background is in IT security, but the new facility is her opportunity to return home to join the family business. Sydney is no stranger to the meat business and her technical expertise is valuable in outreach and marketing. Growing up, she often helped her dad and can perform the business’s operations from beginning to end. Darren fosters a culture of teamwork among employees at Turner Meat Processing. Team members often begin at entry level positions and evolve into highly skilled roles, living out the company’s commitment to professional growth and development.
Growth Through Grants
The Show Me State Meat Processing Grant through the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) through USDA made it possible for Turner Meat Processing to bring their expanded facility on-line at its fullest potential. Grants are valuable financial resources for small, independent meat processors to acquire necessary equipment. “Thanks to grants, small businesses can complete expansions and transitions without taking on additional debt, “Cydney shares. “Family business grant recipients responsibly put grant dollars to work for the local economy.”
Catering to Customers
Customers at Turner Meat Processing can purchase meat raised by local farmers. “The beef and pork we sell walks into our facility, and we process it. We are proud to offer locally raised products,” says Cydney. Chicken and salmon are offered for people like Cydney who are in search of safe proteins as they manage Alpha-gal syndrome. Turner’s is experimenting with recipes for ostrich and chicken sausages to expand this section, much needed for consumers seeking solutions and variety.
Advice for Colleagues
“Keep the process personal with customers,” Cydney suggests to peers. “We do everything we can to send meat out the door looking good and meeting customers’ needs.” Cydney focuses on customer communication, guiding customers through their cutting orders, outlining the choices they have and sharing her personal experiences with various meat cuts, so customers better understand what to expect when they pick up custom processed meat.
Community Impact: Turner Meat Processing has been involved with community projects by: processing meat for school fundraisers, supplying meat for local concession stands, and hosting meat cutting workshops for the local FFA chapter. Turner Meat Processing provides 7 full-time, family supporting jobs, offers locally raised proteins, and will soon expand their business to a retail meat shop conveniently located in the town of Fair Grove. They also hope to help local proteins get to school lunch trays through the MoBeef Kids program this year.
Loving Rural Life
Turner Meat Processing plans to open a local retail meat shop in their previous facility and is excited to help grow the economy of their rural community. The Fullerton family enjoys rural life with miniature donkeys, miniature goats, and miniature horses on their self-described ‘funny farm’. Turner Meat Processing is a member of the Missouri Association of Meat Processors, a partner of Missouri Farmers Care.
