NARA Blog
International Networking Week
Celebrating International Networking Week It’s International Networking Week! Celebrated each year during the first week of February, this international event was created to encourage the exchange of ideas, technology, and experience among professionals around the globe. Wondering how to celebrate? Whether attending professional events, sparking conversation with colleagues, or taking to social media, there are numerous ways to take advantage of valuable networking opportunities not only this week, but all year long.
Celebrating International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day with NARA
Celebrating International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day Each year on January 28th, we celebrate International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring innovation to minimize our role in climate change. What exactly are CO2 emissions, and what impact do they have on the environment? Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a heat-trapping gas released primarily from the burning of fossil fuels. From the vehicles we drive to various large-scale
New Rendering Video: An Educational Tool for All Ages
Imagine an innovative, animated video that captures the complexities of rendering—a vital yet often misunderstood process in agriculture—and makes it accessible and exciting for learners of all ages. The National Animal Rendering Association (NARA) has done just that with their new explainer video, Rendering: Every Part Has a Purpose. This engaging cartoon is more than just entertainment; it’s an educational powerhouse designed to introduce rendering to audiences as young as 4-H participants and as advanced
The Role of Rendering in Water Reclamation
Turning Waste into Water: The Role of Rendering in Water Reclamation When it comes to the idea of food waste, many of us likely picture mountains of physical discard at our landfills. However, 60% of the parts of the animal that we choose not to eat are comprised of water, so food waste within the meat industry often leads to significant water waste as well. Fortunately, with the help of rendering, recycled organics contribute
The Risks of Chemically Compensating for Faulty Steam Boiler Systems
This article contains sponsored content. Guest Post By NARA Member, Eric Schnakenberg, Area Manager at Chem Aqua Midwest In animal rendering facilities, steam boilers play a crucial role in processing and sterilizing animal byproducts. However, when these systems malfunction, some might consider chemically compensating for the issue as a quick fix. While this approach might offer temporary relief, it introduces several significant disadvantages. Short-Term Solution with Long-Term Risks: Chemically
Thanksgiving and Food Waste
From Farm to Feast: Practicing Thanksgiving Food Waste Sustainability Thanksgiving is always a special time of year; it marks the beginning of the holiday season and offers a time filled with gratitude, quality time with friends and family, and the oh-so-exciting Thanksgiving dinner. However, along with our Thanksgiving turkeys and cornbread stuffing, unfortunately come millions of pounds of food waste. From the leftovers we don’t finish to the roughly 50% of the Thanksgiving turkey considered
Tallow: A Traditional Fat Making a Sustainable Comeback
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is reviving interest in tallow, a time-honored and nutrient-rich fat derived from beef or sheep. Known for its sustainability and health benefits, tallow offers a natural alternative to industrial seed oils, making it a favorite among health-conscious consumers and environmentally focused advocates. Tallow’s appeal lies in its minimal processing and high nutrient content, including essential fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K. By utilizing by-products from
The Invisible Industry Episode 5
This is a transcript of the fifth episode of The Invisible Industry, a podcast brought to you by the North American Renderer’s Association (NARA) Anna: Hi, everyone, and welcome to the Invisible Industry, a podcast where we discuss and educate on everything you didn’t know, you didn’t know about agricultural rendering, brought to you by the North American Renderers Association, or NARA. I’m your moderator, Anna Wilkinson. I am the Vice president of communications for
Celebrating National Cat Day: Sustainability and Nutrition for Our Feline Friends
Renderers and those supporting the rendering industry are dedicated to enhancing sustainability while keeping our pets’ diets nutritious. In addition to Halloween, October boasts National Cat Day – the perfect time to spotlight how rendering benefits our feline friends by making their food sustainable and healthy! National Cat Day Observed on October 29 in the U.S. and Canada, National Cat Day was founded in 2005 by lifestyle writer Colleen Paige. The day raises awareness about
Taking a Deep Dive Into the World of Aquaculture
In the latest episode of NARA’s rendering podcast, The Invisible Industry, we take a deep dive into the world of aquaculture, a topic often discussed in rendering but explored in-depth on the podcast only now for the first time. Host Marcus Wintzer is joined by Dr. George Chamberlain, President of the Center for Responsible Seafood, who shares his extensive knowledge of the aquaculture industry. The discussion starts with the basics of the industry, offering insights
