State-of-the-art facility to elevate meat science research, education and outreach at Texas A&M
Texas A&M University is raising the bar in meat science education and innovation with the development of a cutting-edge Meat Science and Technology Center at the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus.
“The new Meat Science and Technology Center will expand our ability to integrate research, teaching and outreach that will benefit students, industry professionals and producers who will participate in events here,” said Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Distinguished Professor, Regents Professor and the E.M. “Manny” Rosenthal Chair in Animal Science. “We will push the boundaries of discovery while continuing to train the next generation of leaders in meat science.”
Set to open in 2028, the 75,000-square-foot facility will feature advanced laboratories, a modern meat processing floor, and interactive spaces designed to support hands-on learning, groundbreaking research, and industry-focused outreach programs.
The new center will empower Texas A&M to remain at the forefront of sustainable meat production and food safety while continuing to train the next generation of leaders in agriculture and animal science.
The building will also include an auditorium and observation areas, enabling the department to offer a wide range of programs, which include established events like Beef 101, Camp Brisket and Barbecue Summer Camp, as well as new initiatives for producers, industry professionals, and youth.
The new facility is being financed in part by a $5 million commitment from Rozanne and Billy Rosenthal, Ashli and Todd Blumenfeld, Madolin and Ben Rosenthal, and Dr. Madelyn Rosenthal to the Meat Science and Technology Center Construction Fund.
The Rosenthal family’s support of Texas A&M’s Department of Animal Science dates back decades.
Manny Rosenthal ’42, son of Standard Meat Company founder Ben H. Rosenthal, came to Texas A&M in 1938 to study meat science and business administration. As president and then chairman of the board of Standard Meat Company, Manny remained involved with the department’s meat science program and helped endow the E.M. “Manny” Rosenthal Chair, the first endowed metasciences chair in the United States. The current Meat Science and Technology Center at Texas A&M was named in his honor in 1987. William “Billy” Rosenthal followed Manny as president of Standard Meat Company, and now siblings Ben Rosenthal and Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld are the fourth generation to lead the company, continuing to build on their family’s legacy.
“Texas A&M is a tremendous partner to our company, providing top talent as well as training and education for our team and customers alike, helping us stay at the leading edge of food safety and quality advancements,” said Blumenfeld. “It’s an honor for our family to continue to support the university and the Meat Science and Technology Center.”
