UPHAM — 1481 Meats Inc. of Upham has announced the facility is now a USDA Federal Slaughter Facility, effective Jan. 1.

With this designation, products processed at 1481 Meats carry the USDA mark of inspection and are eligible for wholesale distribution across the United States. This milestone places 1481 Meats among an exclusive group of only 14 federally inspected meat facilities in North Dakota, marking a significant expansion for the business and for beef producers across the region, according to information from the company.

“Becoming a federal slaughter facility opens new doors, not only for our business but for producers and customers throughout northern North Dakota,” 1481 Meats Inc. stated “It allows locally raised beef to reach more markets while maintaining the highest food safety standards.”

As of Jan. 31, 2025, the state has been home to about 870,000 beef cows, with total cattle and calf numbers reaching 1.68 million head statewide, 1481 Meats reported. At the local level, according to the 2023 American Community Survey, McHenry County has a population of just 5,264 residents but reported a total cattle and calf inventory of 75,000 head in 2024, including 37,000 beef cows.

“This means McHenry County supports more than 14 head of cattle for every person living in the county — a striking illustration of the region’s deep-rooted cattle industry and the importance of accessible, federally inspected slaughter and processing capacity to support local producers,” 1481 Meats Inc. stated.

While expanding into federal inspection, 1481 Meats Inc. will continue to offer custom slaughter and processing services and retail services that include North Dakota-made pizza and ice cream in addition to fresh and frozen meat products.