Texas Tech University's Department of Animal & Food Sciences is set to host a special mid-day Dean’s Luncheon featuring an overview and tour of its nationally recognized meat science program and retail outlet Red Raider Meats on Tuesday (Oct. 24) at the department’s building on the west side of campus.

The tour will be guided by Department Chair and Professor Chance Brooks and Tate Corliss, the unit supervisor of Raider Red Meats. The fast-growing Department of Animal & Food Sciences is housed in a modern research and teaching facility with more than 30 faculty members, many of whom are leading researchers in their respective fields. The current department enrollment is 1,460 students (Graduate: 115 / Undergraduates: 1,345).

The department’s areas of research emphasis include meat science and muscle biology, food science and safety, animal nutrition, health, welfare, and companion animal science. Tech’s meat science and muscle biology instruction began in 1933, eight years after the university opened. The first laboratory was a modified Army barrack. In 1961, a modern, federally inspected meat lab was constructed on campus.

Then, in 1988, a new, 14,000-square foot meat laboratory was constructed, known today as the Gordon W. Davis Meat Science Laboratory. In 2005, the building which houses the Department of Animal & Food Sciences was completed and a store was opened for retail meat sales. The new building, which connects to the meat science laboratory, allowed the meat science program to expand production and marketing of Raider Red Meats.

Texas Tech is home to one of the most dominant meat judging programs in the nation. They boast a total of numerous national championships (2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2003, 1999, 1997, 1996, 1991, 1989). These championships have also been achieved in meat animal evaluation contests, along with meat science academic quiz bowl and product development competitions.

CONTACT: Chance Brooks, Chair and Professor, Department of Animal & Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or chance.brooks@ttu.edu

1020NM23