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USDA Processing Guide

Your First-Time USDA Processing Guide with Lehigh Valley Meats

If you’re a farmer or livestock producer looking to expand your market and sell meat directly to consumers, retailers, or restaurants, working with a USDA-inspected processor like Lehigh Valley Meats is a critical step. Unlike custom processing, which is for personal use only, USDA inspection ensures your meat is legally approved for sale — whether online, at farmers’ markets, or in grocery stores.

If this is your first time using USDA-inspected processing, here’s what you need to know:

Why Choose USDA Processing?

At Lehigh Valley Meats (USDA Inspection #45160), we follow strict safety and quality guidelines to ensure your meat meets regulatory requirements for legal resale. USDA processing allows you to:

  • Sell across state lines
  • Supply grocery stores, restaurants, and butcher shops
  • Offer officially labeled, inspected meat products
  • Increase your product’s value with certified packaging

If you plan to grow your business, USDA processing is the key to selling beyond personal use and reaching new customers.

Scheduling Your Processing Date

USDA processors fill up quickly, so booking early is essential. Here’s how to plan ahead:

📅 Schedule months in advance — especially during peak seasons

⚖️ Know your animal’s ideal weight and finishing time to avoid last-minute adjustments

🚛 Arrange transportation—it’s your responsibility to drop off your livestock on time

Need help determining the best processing schedule? Call Lehigh Valley Meats at 610-759-4540 for guidance.

What Happens on Processing Day?

When you bring your animals to Lehigh Valley Meats, you can expect a USDA-inspected, humane, and sanitary process:

🔍 Pre-Slaughter Inspection – A USDA official ensures animals are healthy before processing

🔪 Humane Handling & Processing – We adhere to strict guidelines for ethical treatment and sanitation

🛡️ Carcass Inspection – USDA inspectors verify quality and safety before the meat moves to cutting and packaging

From start to finish, our goal is to provide a safe, high-quality product you can be proud to sell.

Labeling & Packaging Options

One of the biggest advantages of USDA processing is the ability to use official labels and branding, including:

✔ The USDA inspection seal
✔ Your farm’s name and logo
✔ Product weight and safe handling instructions

At Lehigh Valley Meats, we also offer vacuum sealing and custom packaging to help your products stand out and appeal to customers.

Understanding Costs & Profit Potential

While USDA processing costs more than custom slaughter, it opens the door to higher profits by giving you legal access to broader markets. Key factors to consider:

💰 Processing Fees – Costs vary by species, weight, and processing services (ask us for a quote!)
📈 Added Value – USDA certification allows you to sell at higher price points and reach more buyers
🎯 Marketing Advantage – USDA-approved meat can be branded, marketed, and sold in retail stores, online, and direct-to-consumer

Investing in USDA processing means investing in your farm’s future growth!

Ready to Get Started?

Lehigh Valley Meats is here to help make your first USDA processing experience as smooth as possible. To schedule your processing date or ask questions, contact us today:

📍 6092 Sullivan Trail, Nazareth, PA 18064

📞 610-759-4540

📧 orders@lvmeats.com

Let’s bring your farm’s meat products to market — safely and successfully!