Understanding On-Farm Slaughter in Alberta
Alberta’s On-Farm Slaughter Operation program provides a licensed route for certain animals to be slaughtered and processed on the farm without conventional meat inspection.
What is an OFSO?
An On-Farm Slaughter Operation, commonly called an OFSO, allows the licence holder to conduct uninspected slaughter and carcass-processing activities on the licensed property.
The meat is uninspected
This is the most important point for consumers and producers to understand.
All meat resulting from slaughter under an OFSO licence is uninspected.
Who can consume it?
The meat must be returned to the owner or owners of the animal for consumption by their households.
Alberta’s current rules allow certain ownership arrangements for large live animals. Producers should check the current provincial requirements before arranging a transaction.
Can it be sold afterward?
No. Alberta states that meat produced through an OFSO cannot be sold, gifted, bartered or otherwise transferred.
The OFSO system is not simply a way for a farm to slaughter its own animal and then sell packages of uninspected beef afterward.
Food safety and animal welfare still matter
OFSO licence holders have requirements concerning humane slaughter, sanitation, meat handling, potable water and temperature control.
They also have licensing and reporting responsibilities.
Rules can change
Alberta has made changes to the OFSO program over time. Producers should always check the current Government of Alberta requirements rather than relying on an older article or social-media post.
Last reviewed: September 2026.