Iowa State University Meat Laboratory

The Iowa State University Meat Laboratory operates under federal grant of inspection as establishment M2049+P2049 at 194 Meat Lab, Ames, Iowa, in Story County. It reports meat slaughter, meat processing, and poultry processing activities to FSIS, and is classified as a very small establishment. Species slaughtered under inspection are reported as cattle, hogs, and sheep and lamb. The slaughter volume category on file is the lowest tier, under 1,000 head per year. The grant of inspection date on file is June 19, 2020. No custom-exempt activity is reported.

The laboratory is part of the Iowa State University Department of Animal Science. University pages describe it as a federally inspected facility with slaughtering and processing capabilities, and note that it combines processing operations with teaching and research. Department and Extension pages also reference meat sales and meat science short courses, and a Facebook post refers to the lab hosting meat industry attendees. The address given on some secondary listings is 188 Meat Laboratory, while the federal record lists 194 Meat Lab.

The website on file is a Facebook page, and no website text was available for this record. Details beyond the federal record and these brief secondary references, including hours, booking practices, fees, cut and wrap options, and the full product list, are not yet on file.

University pages reference meat sales through the Meats Laboratory, but the specific counter hours, product list, bundle or half and quarter options, and any delivery or shipping are not stated in the sources on file. Buyers would need to contact the laboratory at (515) 294-5321 for current sales information.

If you are buying a half or quarter animal, the plant is where the animal is processed; the farm sells you the animal. Read how to buy a half cow for the sequence and the math.