Cal Poly’s MPC. MP – what? Cal Poly’s Meat Processing Center has not only became well known among many universities, but has grown and developed in so many ways that have allowed the processing plant to become more than just a processing plant. Founded in 1952, the on-campus meat market, Cal Poly Meats, began serving the local community with the freshest meat products available. What started out as a small retail shop later developed into today’s Cal Poly Meat Processing Center. This processing plant, completed in 2011, was funded by the J & G Lau family and includes all stages of meat processing, from harvesting to packaging. This top-notch facility processes a variety of species including the following:
- Beef
- Veal
- Lamb
- Pork
- Goat
- Poultry/Turkey
As the Meat Processing Center continues to strive to produce the beat-quality product to consumers, this facility continues to provide hands-on learning experiences for students at Cal Poly. Students can get involved at this award-winning processing plant through classes, enterprises, and employment opportunities. Third year, Agricultural Communications student, Mahlon Owens is currently an employee at the Meat Processing Center. Owens claims, “I was just curious on that aspect [processing] and I figured that it would help me widen my knowledge of the industry in which I am planning to go into [cattle industry].”
Below, I have included a brief interview with MPC employee and fellow Cal Poly student, Mahlon Owens.
Agriculture Communications 