RUNNING OUT OF WALL — Dean Morgan of Morgan’s Meat Market in New Richland is quickly filling his walls with national awards. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Dean Morgan of Morgan’s Meats in New Richland is starting to run out of space on his wall. Granted, the walls are large, but his collection of awards for the products he keeps bringing back from state and national conventions keeps on growing.
“This is our fifth time at nationals,” said Morgan. “We brought home five awards.”
The nationals Morgan referred to was the American Cured Meat Championships. This year Reno, NV hosted the event June 16-18 which brought meat processors together from across the country to renew old friendships, make new ones, and exchange ideas.
“It’s always a good experience going to these events,” said Morgan. “I have a good friend from Pennsylvania. It’s the only time I get to see him. There are plenty of seminars to attend and you can learn a lot. By just going around talking to the other processors, you can get some great tips and ideas. The “old school” guys who have been in the business awhile are great to visit with.”
Morgan was able to bring home two Grand Champion plaques, which is the top award given, for his cotto salami and snack sticks. He earned Champion honors for jerky and Reserve Champion for whole muscle jerky. Morgan has earned awards every year he has attended for his various meat products.
“Every year you bring back something with you which you can apply here,” said Morgan. “With the tough economy, you have to give the people what they want. Good products and good customer service makes for a good shopping experience.”
The 2012 National Convention will be held in Minneapolis and 2013 it will be in Charleston, SC.
“I think I can make the ‘long’ trip up to Minneapolis,” said Morgan with a smile. “I have never been to South Carolina and would like to see some old Southern plantations and the history of the area.”
Morgan invites everyone to come in and try some of his award-winning meat products at Morgan’s Meat Market located at 202 S. Ash Avenue in New Richland. For more information or to place an order, call (507) 465-3888.
