The Meat Science Lab is a modern meat processing facility built in 2016 as part of our agricultural educational facility known as the FARM. A unique and integral component of BMCC Agricultural classes is the first-hand experience our students can receive in breeding, raising, and processing animals. This well-rounded experience can provide an understanding of how animal genetics, nutrition, and handling aid in achievement of a “finished product”.
The Meat Science Lab, with it’s highly skilled staff, also accept custom processing orders from the public. Cattle, swine, sheep, and goats can be processed in this facility.
In 2023, Blue Mountain Community College received a $300,000 grant from the Oregon State University Extension Service to expand our meat science program and hire a Meat Lab Manager. This is part of a collaborative, multi-state program lead by OSU Extension’s Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN) to help solve workforce issues in Oregon and the rest of the Pacific Northwest.
The funds are part of a larger scale grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) Meat and Poultry Processing Agricultural Workforce Training Program.
BMCC is working with OSU Extension’s NMPAN team to design a certification program that can assist in addressing the shortage of entry-level employees in the meat processing industry and fill the gap in meat-cutting training, an opportunity few colleges and universities offer across the nation.
2411 NW Carden Ave.
Pendleton, OR 97801
(541) 276-1260