Ep 10. Custom Meat Processor

In this episode of Dirty Jobs, host Mike Rowe takes on the task of working alongside a custom meat processor. While most people are familiar with the beef and pork products that can be found at their local grocery store, many aren’t aware of the steps that go into producing this meat. Custom meat processors are responsible for taking the animals that are raised by local farmers and turning them into the products that consumers purchase.

As Mike arrives at the custom meat processor, he encounters a variety of interesting characters. From the front office to the processing floor, the employees at this facility all have unique personalities that help to make this job fascinating to watch. Mike quickly learns that the meat processor is responsible for handling a wide range of animals, from cows and pigs to sheep and goats.

Throughout the episode, Mike gets a hands-on experience with the various jobs that need to be completed in order to keep the processor running smoothly. He starts off by helping to unload a truckload of sheep, which involves a lot of heavy lifting. Once the truck is unloaded, they bring the sheep to the holding pens where they’ll wait until it’s their turn to be processed.

Mike quickly learns that processing the animals is a complex task that requires specialized equipment and knowledge. He watches as the custom meat processor takes on the challenging task of removing the hides from the sheep’s bodies, which involves the use of a specialized machine. This process is necessary in order to access the meat that’s needed for various products.

Throughout the episode, Mike helps out in a variety of different jobs. He assists with cleaning out the holding pens, which involves shoveling manure and bedding into a cart and hauling it away. He also helps to sort the sheep based on size and quality, which is critical in ensuring that the processor is able to produce the highest quality products possible.

As the episode progresses, Mike gets the chance to see some of the specialized equipment in action. He watches as the processor uses a band saw to slice through a side of beef, creating the various cuts of meat that consumers are familiar with. He also sees how the machines are cleaned and maintained to ensure that they’re working at peak efficiency.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is when Mike learns about the different products that the meat processor produces. From sausage to jerky, there are a wide range of products that are created using the meat that’s processed at this facility. Mike gets the chance to taste some of these products, and he’s impressed by the quality and flavor of each one.

Throughout the episode, Mike gains a newfound appreciation for the work that goes into producing the meat products that we all enjoy. He sees firsthand the care and attention to detail that are required in every step of the process, from the animal husbandry to the final product. By the end of the episode, Mike has a newfound respect for the people who take on this dirty job day in and day out.