The ISU Meat Laboratory has been busy this year between classes, clubs, and even service projects!
A variety of classes have taken advantage of the Iowa State University Meat Laboratory's educational benefits, including AN S 225 – Swine Science, AN S 229 – Sheep Science, and AN S 226 – Beef Science. Each class has had the opportunity to view the carcasses of their respective species and learn about the retail cuts and the way grades are determined. Of course, AN S 270 – Foods of Animal Origin and AN S 475 – Meats Judging and Meat Animal Evaluation, spend plenty of time in the meat lab as well. To ensure student, faculty, and staff safety, precautions such as temperature checks, social distancing, and masks are in place.
The Meat Lab has participated in multiple service projects this year, including Pass the Pork, Beef Up Iowa, and Cactus Cares. In March, Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, announced that the Iowa State University Meats Lab would be receiving the 2021 Iowa Ag Leader award for their extraordinary efforts to assist Iowa livestock producers and citizens overcome the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The three programs they participated in played a significant role in helping livestock producers overcome supply chain disruptions and provide protein-rich meals to Iowans in need.
Meat lab sales are open for in person shopping in the Kildee Hall atrium Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We only accept payments via check (no cash). Online product orders will continue as curbside pick-up. Check out our website to view what is in stock or to place an online order for curbside pick-up. https://www.meatscience.ag.iastate.edu/meat-sales
We also have upcoming short courses available to check out here: https://www.meatscience.ag.iastate.edu/shortcourses