Butchering And Processing

No, I did not retire completely—just semi. Actually I was not aware of a change to the Courier e-mail. When my items did not get published I just assumed they had enough news with the Covid, politics, sports, etc. that they did not need any fillers.

Reading about Brian Austin’s new business venture has brought back memories of Brian’s heritage. Do you remember the old Austin Packing Plant located on the Tampico Highway close to the Milk River Bridge?

I would guess that the majority of butchering and preparing for the freezer was done at this facility back in the day. Of course in those days there were still a lot of rural people that did their own butchering, however, I would guess Mr. Austin kept busy. I remember getting “renderings” from the plant for dog food. The biggest memory was my kids and their cousins using those rendered pork rinds to throw at each other down the basement stairs. What a greasy mess for Mom!

The Austin Packing Plant had expanded before the fire that destroyed the plant on the Tampico Road, having built a brand new facility north of Glasgow. This was during the Air Base days. I do remember tours given to school kids and interested citizens. Quite an interesting operation.

I do not remember when the original plant burned, but had the pleasure of being able to visit with a son of the owner of Austin’s Packing at the time, getting my memory refreshed. I find that is not just farming/ranching that gets in your blood.

It is always a fun time for me to reminisce about old times with others. Thanks to you all.