Mobile slaughter/processing units have been getting attention in recent years as a potentially expedient way to bring access to inspected processing to a community or region. Why are they popular? First, they are typically less expensive to build than stationary facilities. Second, by traveling from farm to farm, they allow on-farm slaughter, which many people consider the most humane approach because the animals don't have to be trucked anywhere.
We have quite a few pages about many different aspects of mobile units. Here are some short cuts to finding them. You can also search our Meat Processing Index.
Mobile slaughter/processing units currently in operation
This list gives some basic data about the units, with links to other info.
Know others? Tell us! Contact us
Mobile Processing Units: What's the State of the Art?
Great photos here! This webinar offers a detailed look at two mobile units, one for red meat and one for poultry, and explains a useful cost calculator to gauge operational costs.
Mobile Unit Design: Wall Elevations & Ceiling/Floor Plans
These plans are included as linked PDFs in the Island Grown Farmers Cooperative Case Study; see below.
Feasibility Analysis for a Mobile Slaughter Unit
This is the calculator described in the webinar; it is based on a USDA-inspected unit operating in southeastern Washington.
cost estimates for the mobile units & stationary fabrication facility
A feasibility study done by University of Nevada/Reno details construction and operational costs for two mobile units and a stationary fabrication facility, planned for Nevada but as yet unbuilt.
Who builds mobile processing units?
- A list of the companies that build the actual trailers.
www.mobileslaughter.com
- Mobile slaughter unit pioneer and NMPAN Advisory Board member Bruce Dunlop shares photos, specifications, and equipment needs for mobile units.
Case Study: Island Grown Farmers Cooperative
This case study describes the first USDA-inspected mobile slaughter unit in the U.S., in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. It includes photos AND actual MPU designs, as linked PDFs.
Case Study: Kentucky Mobile Poultry Processing Unit
This case study describes in detail the mobile poultry processing unit operated by University of Kentucky.
Case Study: Coast Grown Mobile Harvest Unit
This case study describes a USDA-inspected mobile slaughter unit (4-legged species), operating in the Central Coast region of California. It began operations in mid-2009.
