Nebraska's meat lab shoppe - fresh cuts await

By Scout Nelson

Nebraska's Loeffel Meat Laboratory Shoppe, a USDA-inspected retail operation, has served the community since the 1960s.

Located on the East Campus at the corner of 38th and Fair Streets, the shop provides a wide range of meat products including beef, pork, lamb, goat, and various sausages.

Recently, the shop extended its opening hours to Tuesdays and Fridays and began offering fresh meat selections alongside its traditional frozen offerings.

Jordan Wicks, the extension meat specialist at the shop, highlighted recent upgrades to both the store and inventory to better serve their customers. The expanded offerings now include fresh beef and pork items.

The sales from the shop are crucial as they help offset costs for the academic programs in animal science at the university. Students involved in the shop gain invaluable experience in meat processing and sales, contributing to the development of award-winning products like the Jalapeño Popper Bratwurst.

Named after Professor William J. Loeffel, a pioneer in meat science at the university, the shop and its associated laboratory offer hands-on learning opportunities for students, which Wicks believes are essential for the future of meat processing.

The facility not only supports education but also contributes significantly to the industry with innovations like the McRib and the Flat Iron Steak, developed by Nebraska researchers.

This unique shop not only serves as a retail space but also as a community resource, offering top-quality meats processed by the next generation of meat scientists.

Photo Credit -gettyimages-luoman