Local meat processors offer delicious specialty meats as well as general cuts.
As a child growing up in the Midwest, my parents always kept a large freezer in our back room. Now, admittedly, at the time, my main interest in that freezer centered around the stash of popsicles and ice cream I knew were kept in there.
But my parents focused on stocking it with fruits, vegetables, and large quantities of meat wrapped in snowy white freezer paper.
Now that I’m grown up with a family of my own to feed, I understand why my parents were always happy when we went to the local meat processor and picked up a side of beef or half a butchered hog. Knowing you have a supply of nutritious, locally grown, organic meat on hand to keep your family well-fed is a satisfying feeling.
There are other benefits to purchasing a quantity of meat from a local meat processor. Jennifer Witthaus of Davis Meat Processing in Jonesburg, MO, knows why so many homeowners choose to buy direct from local meat processors rather than the grocery store.
Why Choose a Local Organic Meat Processor
First, Witthaus says, many are cautious about where their food comes from. They want a more direct link between the farmer and their kitchen. By turning to small, local meat processing facilities, homeowners see where their meat originates and how it is processed and packaged.
Most local meat processors know which farmers grow their livestock organically, without the use of hormones and antibiotics. If you want locally grown organic meat, your local meat packer has the resources to get that for you and custom cut it to your specifications.
Second, if you own a freezer, you can stock it with the meats of your choice and be prepared to fix a meal for any occasion. You can order the cuts of meats your family prefers and have it on hand. You won’t have to take time to run to the grocery as frequently and it makes planning your meals easy. Purchasing meat in quantities is also a smart economic move, because you will pay less per pound.
Even if you only have a refrigerator/freezer, you can still enjoy locally grown meats. You just won’t be able to purchase it in as large a quantity at one time
How Much Meat Should You Buy for Your Freezer?
If you decide to buy a quantity of meat from your local meat processor, you need to choose how much meat to purchase. Your decision should be based on the size of your family and the size of your freezer. In one cubic foot of freezer space, you can store approximately 22 to 28 pounds of meat. A beef quarter requires 5 cubic feet of room and a half side of beef will need 8 cubic feet of storage space.
Like many consumers, I like the idea of buying local meats and produce. It supports the local economy and makes me feel like I have more control over what my family is eating. I even save time and money. No beef about it, buying from your local meat processor is a wise decision.
