services for farm partners
Washtenaw Meats was started when two small farms started working together to increase efficiency of the processes that are necessary to get a farm product to the sales market.
We know that raising livestock, and the hard labor that this entails, is where most farmers thrive. The next steps from harvest-to-market can be a logistical challenge.
These steps include: procuring processing, retrieving the frozen meat, storing the product, marketing and sales, and distribution.
This is where Washtenaw Meats can come alongside the farm. We feel that we offer unique services to small farms by paying a fair price for livestock and then taking over once the animal is delivered to the processor.
what we offer
usda processing
Washtenaw Meats has processing slots reserved at USDA inspected facilities for our partner farms to use.
WM pays processing fees for all animals purchased from partner farms.
custom processing
Washtenaw Meats supports the vision of Damian of Damian’s Craft Meats to launch a new USDA inspected slaughterhouse and meat processing facility in Washtenaw County. We are happy to answer any questions or provide excellent testimonials for Damian’s reputation and plans.
Read more about Damian’s approach to his craft here, or contact him directly.
Farm Identification
We believe each farm should be identified for the meat product that they worked so hard to produce.
Each package will be labeled with the farm of origin, we do not simply aggregate and deny proper credit to the farmer. This is excellent marketing for your farm.
Product Pickup & Storage
After paying a fair price for your livestock, WM will use a freezer trailer (to ensure a controlled temperature transport) to get the frozen meat product from the processor.
After processing, we have a large walk-in freezer where we will store your meat.
Product Marketing
Through our online store, social media platforms, and other “grassroots” methods we will market your product to home consumers, retailers, and wholesalers.
Each partner farm will be allowed a place on our website that includes a description of you/your farm and any relevant website information.
Each partner farm will receive a “spotlight” once each year. This will be in the form of one of our weekly emails with an associated social media post.
Product Delivery & Distribution
Our home consumers have the opportunity to choose from set distribution dates/times and locations.
We pack the orders and directly interact with the customer at their distribution selection. Washtenaw Meats works with a number of retailers and restaurants, and we make weekly deliveries to these locations.
Washtenaw Meats Product Standards
how to become a partner farm
We are proud to support a variety of farms. We work with small family farms that raise livestock in varied ways that are both humane and environmentally sustainable.
To get started, complete the following form through which we will get a sense of whether your farm would meet our partnership standards.
If a partnership is mutually agreed upon, your farm will pay a $75 annual fee that guarantees the services we offer.
We are farmers working together to feed our community.