Meat Product & Process Development
Collaborative product and process development using specialized meat processing facilities and technical expertise.
Iowa State University
Advancing meat science through research, education, processing innovation, food safety, and industry collaboration.
WHAT WE OFFER
Meat Quality & Fresh Meat Research
Research expertise spanning meat quality, muscle biology, animal factors, processing, storage and shelf-life performance
Food Safety & Meat Microbiology
Research and expertise in meat microbiology, food safety, pathogens, and safety across fresh and processed products.
Meat Processing Technology
Advanced processing capabilities supporting novel ingredients, equipment, preservation, packaging & value-added products
Analytical Meat Testing
Physical and chemical analysis of meat properties supporting research, quality evaluation, and product development.
Meat Industry Training & HACCP
Industry-focused training in food safety, HACCP, fresh meats, processed meats, and meat evaluation and judging.
Marketplace
Advanced Meat Processing & Technology Research
Research and development capabilities spanning processing technologies, novel ingredients, preservation, packaging, and value-added meat products.
Processing Technology Research+5Novel Ingredient Evaluation, Preservation & Packaging, High Hydrostatic Pressure, Value-Added Products, Processing Equipment Evaluation
Contact us
Meat Analytical Testing & Quality Evaluation
Physical and chemical analysis of meat properties supporting quality evaluation, research, product development, and industry applications.
Physical Property Analysis+5Chemical Property Analysis, Meat Quality Evaluation, Per-Sample Testing, Research Support, Product Development Support
Contact us
Meat Product & Process Development Services
Collaborative development and evaluation of meat products and processing methods using Iowa State's specialized meat laboratory infrastructure.
Research Expertise+5Multi-Stage Processing, Private-Sector Collaboration, Specialized Facilities, Process Development, Product Development
Contact us
Built for scale, proven in production
99%
CAREER PLACEMENT RATE
100+
FACULTY & STAFF
BSL-2
LABORATORY
4
SPECIES
Upcoming events & trainings
Meat
Price: Free
Iowa 4-H State Meat Judging Contest
Nov 7, 2026
6:00 pm CST
In person
Iowa State UniversityArticles
Research & Publications
Meat+3Retail Processing & Manufacturing, Food Logistics & Warehousing, Food-Tech, Ingredients & Others
Meats Laboratory Turns Students into Educated Consumers
Iowa State's Meats Laboratory combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to help students understand meat grading, carcass evaluation, meat fabrication, and consumer purchasing decisions.
28 July 2026 · 1 min read
Iowa State University
Learning & Community
Food-Tech, Ingredients & Others+3Food Logistics & Warehousing, Retail Processing & Manufacturing, Meat
Student Spotlight: Emma Frank
Graduate student Emma Frank highlights how Iowa State's Meat Science Program integrates research, laboratory experience, and leadership opportunities to prepare future meat industry professionals.
28 July 2026 · 1 min read
Iowa State University
Learning & Community
Meat+3Food Logistics & Warehousing, Food-Tech, Ingredients & Others, Retail Processing & Manufacturing
Alumni Spotlight: Kelsey Sindelar
Discover how Iowa State Meat Science alumna Kelsey Sindelar built a successful career in meat product innovation, process development, and food manufacturing leadership through hands-on education and industry experience.
28 July 2026 · 1 min read
Iowa State University
Reports
Framework
Meat
Retail Meat Identification Guide
A training resource supporting the identification of retail meat cuts and helping students develop foundational skills in meat identification and evaluation.
27 July 2026
Iowa State University
Framework
Meat
Beef Judging Guide
A practical educational resource supporting beef judging instruction and helping students develop the skills needed to evaluate and rank beef products.
27 July 2026
Iowa State University
Framework
Meat
Introduction to Beef Grading
An educational resource introducing the principles and criteria used in beef grading, supporting students, educators, and coaches involved in meat evaluation and judging programs.
27 July 2026
Iowa State University
About Us
Iowa State University's Meat Science Program advances meat quality, processing technology, food safety, and product innovation through research, graduate education, specialized laboratory facilities, and industry collaboration.
Industries served
Poultry
Meat
Food-Tech, Ingredients & Others
Retail Processing & Manufacturing
Capabilities
Analytical Meat Testing
Meat Quality & Fresh Meat Research
Advanced Processing Technologies
Muscle Biology & Physiology
Meat Processing Technology
Food Safety & Microbiology
Product Development
Processing & Preservation
Trust & compliance
Federally Inspected Meat Processing Facility
Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory
Specialized Meat Science Laboratory Infrastructure
Advance Meat Science Innovation with Iowa State University
Partner to access world-class research, industry training, product development expertise, analytical testing & collaborative innovation that strengthens meat processing, food safety & workforce excellence.