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Alberta Lamb: Farms, Markets and Butchers

Alberta lamb sells through local farms, approved farmers' markets and butchers. Buying direct confirms the origin.

Updated . Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Many farms sell freezer lamb by the half or whole animal. Approved farmers' markets carry cuts from May to October. Ask butchers whether their lamb is Alberta raised.

Professional insight

Meat buyers ask where the lamb was raised. Then they ask which inspected plant processed it.

  • Some Alberta plants also process imported American lambs.
  • Freezer lamb weight is hanging weight, not boxed cuts.
  • Ask for a cut sheet before the processing date.
  • Fall brings more legs and racks than summer.

Check the label

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Alberta lamb sales rules

In Alberta, only lamb from a government inspected facility can be sold. On-farm slaughter is limited to the farm family's own use.

You may buy a live lamb and arrange slaughter yourself. Rules have changed over time, so confirm current options with the farm.

Buying steps

  1. 1Pick whole, half or individual cuts.
  2. 2Confirm the lamb was raised in Alberta.
  3. 3Ask which inspected plant will process it.
  4. 4Fill in the cut sheet with the farm.
  5. 5Bring coolers or plan freezer space before pickup.

Storage

  • Keep frozen lamb at minus 18 C or colder.
  • Thaw lamb cuts slowly in the refrigerator.
  • Cook ground lamb to 71 C (160 F) internal.
  • Use thawed lamb within a day or two.

Common questions

Is store lamb in Alberta always local?
No. Some retailers sell imported lamb. Ask the butcher or check the origin.
Can I buy uninspected lamb from a farm?
Not as packaged meat. Farm sales of meat must come from an inspected plant.
When do farmers' markets sell lamb?
Most Alberta markets run seasonally from about May to October.