Working With an Abattoir

A reliable processor relationship is one of the most important parts of a farm-direct beef business. The producer raises the animal, but the processor helps turn that animal into the cuts the customer ultimately receives.

Understand each other’s responsibilities

Ask your processor exactly where the farm’s responsibility ends and the processor’s begins.

This may include livestock delivery, customer cut sheets, processing instructions, payment, labels, finished-product pickup and communication when orders are ready.

Deliver animals according to the facility’s requirements

Confirm arrival times and livestock receiving procedures before transporting cattle. Proper animal identification and applicable traceability requirements also need to be followed.

Animal welfare continues during transportation and handling

Responsible care does not stop when cattle leave the farm. Transportation, unloading, holding and slaughter are all part of the animal’s journey.

Plan transport appropriately and work with facilities that communicate clearly about livestock receiving and handling.

Understand inspection

Alberta meat inspectors conduct ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection at provincially inspected slaughter facilities. Inspectors are onsite during slaughter operations requiring inspection.

Communicate problems early

If an animal will not be ready, a customer changes an order, or a delivery date becomes impossible, contact the processor rather than assuming the schedule can be changed at the last minute.