Estes E. Firestone Meats Laboratory

Built in 1982, the Lab was financed by a $350,000 grant from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and a generous private donor. The building carries the name of Estes E. Firestone, an OPSU professor emeritus of animal science. Dr. Firestone, a graduate of Panhandle Agricultural and Mechanical College (PAMC), came to campus in 1942 and retired in 1983. While here, he helped establish the school’s dairy program and herd, taught animal husbandry courses, and helped coach the livestock judging team.

The Firestone Meat Lab has been in operation since its dedication on October 27, 1984. The building was re-dedicated on January 3, 2009, after the purchase of new equipment and extensive renovations to the retail counter area, office space, and classroom space. This celebration helped to mark OPSU’s Centennial year. Since then, the Meat Lab has made leaps and bounds in the industry, winning First Place in the Cured Specialty Meat – University Class at the 2023 American Cured Meat Championships with OPSU’s own Tri-tip Pastrami. Firestone Meat Lab also generously donates processed meat for campus events as well as several community events, including but not limited to the Annual Graduation Barbeque and Pioneer Day celebrations. The Meat Lab also donates processing services and meat for the OPSU Rodeo Team and the Texas County Fair.

Firestone Meat Lab offers beef, pork, and lamb retail products and is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 am – 6 pm. Prices and sales are posted on the OPSU Meat Lab Facebook Page. Orders can also be placed by calling the Meat Lab at 580-349-1518 or emailing toby.mcclure@opsu.edu.