Wurstmeister Mike has been selected to judge the prestigious Cured Meat Competition at the Missouri Association of Meat Processors’ 86th Annual Convention and Trade Show. This highly anticipated event will take place from February 28 to March 2, 2025, at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, Missouri. Bringing together meat industry professionals from across the state, the convention promises an unforgettable experience, highlighted by the renowned Cured Meat Competition.
The competition – the only Missouri state contest of its kind, selects the finest examples of cured and smoked specialty items from over 240 products entered in 22 different classes including hams, bacon, sausages, ring bologna, jerky snack sticks, smoked turkey, and luncheon meats. In addition to the Cured Meat Competition, one of the highlights of this convention was the 90-booth Trade Show featuring the latest meat processing equipment, supplies, and services.
The Missouri Association of Meat Processors was founded in 1939. Currently, it represents more than 140 small and medium-sized meat processing operations. MAMP’s objectives are to assist small meat plants to produce safe products, and to help them create “niche” markets that enable them to provide services that meet the needs of the consumer.
With over 40 years of experience in the meat processing industry, Mike is a seasoned expert who began his journey at his family’s meat processing plant, Swiss Meats and Sausage Company, in Swiss, Missouri. Starting from the ground up, he eventually became president and operating manager, honing his craft and leadership skills. In June 2011, Mike and his wife, Lynette, decided to carve their own path, opening the doors to their own business, the Hermann Wurst Haus, on September 1, 2011. Located in the heart of historic downtown Hermann, Missouri, the Wurst Haus allows Mike to fully express his passion and expertise by creating innovative bratwurst and sausage recipes.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mike has earned more than 600 awards at the international, national, state, and regional levels, including 16 Best of Show honors and 29 International awards from the prestigious German Butcher’s Association in Frankfurt, Germany. His leadership within the industry is equally remarkable; he has served as president and treasurer of the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) and as president of the Missouri Association of Meat Processors (MAMP). Additionally, he has been the longtime chairperson of Hermann Wurstfest, contributing significantly to its success.
Mike’s accomplishments have earned him a place in three halls of fame. He was inducted into the Hermann Wurstfest Hall of Fame in 1997 and the MAMP Hall of Fame in 2012. These honors reflect not only his dedication to his craft but also his enduring impact on the meat processing community. At the Hermann Wurst Haus, Mike continues to showcase his unparalleled skill and creativity, delighting customers with his exceptional products.
