Cullman Meat Processors
A vertically integrated Halal meat processing facility bridging the critical gap between Alabama's producers and the $20B+ domestic market.
Executive Summary
Cullman Meat Processors is strategically positioned to become the premier Halal processing hub in the Southern US. By leveraging Cullman, Alabama's status as a livestock center, we will utilize USDA-inspected infrastructure to service the high-volume, unmet demand within the Muslim community and the rapidly growing ethical meat sector.
The Mission
To provide a transparent, ethically sourced, and Shariah-compliant meat supply chain that empowers local farmers and feeds communities with dignity.
The Advantage
Located at the source of supply with direct Interstate logistics to major metro hubs: Birmingham, Atlanta, and Nashville.
Market Opportunity
$20B+
Domestic Halal Market Growth
Daily Capacity Target
80 Head
Small Ruminant (Goat/Lamb)
Beef Break-Even
5 Head
Daily Service Volume
Market Strategy
Phase 1: Regional Dominance
The Gap & Opportunity
The Problem
High demand for fresh Zabiha meat is currently met by frozen imports due to a lack of regional USDA infrastructure capable of high-volume, religious-compliant processing.
The Solution
A local, USDA-inspected facility combining high-volume slaughter with value-added processing (marination, portioning) tailored for restaurants and grocers.
Halal Grocers & Markets
Low-Medium MarginContract pricing for 'Boxed Beef/Goat' to replace frozen imports.
Volume: High
Restaurants & Caterers
High MarginValue-added services (pre-cubed, patties) to save kitchen labor.
Volume: Medium
Masjids & Community
Medium MarginDirect-to-community bulk drops; 'Share a Cow' programs.
Volume: Seasonal
Ethical/Local Buyers
Very High MarginMarket 'Farm-to-Table' & humane handling to high-end butchers.
Volume: Low-Medium
Local Farmers (Service)
High (No COGS) MarginToll Processing fees to process farmers' own livestock.
Volume: Variable
Operational Plan: Phase 1
Years 1–2 Focus: Stability & Compliance
Goat/Lamb Capacity
40-80 Head/Day
Beef Capacity
10-25 Head/Day
Compliance Framework
- Zabiha: Strict hand-slaughter protocols.
- USDA: HACCP plans & daily inspection workflows.
- Retail: Permits for on-site DTC sales.
Lean Staffing Model
Management
Plant Manager, QA/HACCP Coordinator
Production
Slaughter Lead + 4-8 Staff
2-6 Skilled Butchers
Logistics
Route Coordinator, Driver
Financial Analysis
Procurement Strategy
Based on Jan 20, 2026 USDA Cullman Stockyard Data.
| Category | Mkt Price | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
Community Beef (Economy) Boner Cows (80-85% Lean) | $1.56 | ~$6.00/lb |
High-Volume Processing Slaughter Bulls (YG 1-2) | $1.89 | High Yield |
Premium Steak Option Heavy Feeder Steers | $3.10 | ~$9.75/lb |
Monthly "Nut" (Fixed Costs)
Beef Service Only
~5 Head
Daily Volume
Goat Service Only
~26 Head
Daily Volume
Wholesale Beef Sales
~3.5 Head
Daily Volume
Immediate Next Steps
1Licensing
Confirm regulatory requirements for Retail Sales exemption versus securing a separate license.
2Audit
Verify current facility rail capacity to handle target throughput for both Goat and Beef.
3Pilot
Secure Letters of Intent (LOIs) from 3 major Halal grocers in the Birmingham area.