SOME BUTCHERY HISTORY
Prior to the 1970’s, much of the meat purchased from a grocer or butcher shop was sourced from the entire animal carcass which was broken down by a dedicated butcher. During the 70’s, we saw a transition away from the local, dedicated butcher to large packers who produced boxed meat that could be easily shipped and cut into roasts and steaks by a less skilled meat cutter. The efficiency of boxed meat once implied cheaper meat but where have those savings gone? Additionally, in 2019, we witnessed the current supply chain lack resiliency when faced with significant, sudden distress. At Old Station Craft Meats, we are trying to bring back some of the benefits of the way things used to be done.
“At Old Station Craft Meats, we are trying to bring back some of the benefits of the way things used to be done.”
At OSCM, we believe in having close, personal relationships with all of the people that make up our supply chain. We also believe that the fewer people involved in the process, the better.
OUR BEEF FARMERS
Grass Run Farms is a collaboration of family farmers in the Midwest, raising cattle the way generations before them did. Grass Run Farms cattle consume forage diets their entire lives, never receiving grain or animal by-products, and harvested humanely.
Upper Iowa Beef is a story about a community that came together because of its belief in the right to know your farmer and know your food. They believe in providing humane care for their animals, respecting the farmers who raise their cattle, and in providing transparent information to the families who enjoy their beef.
OUR PORK FARMERS
Berkwood Farms is a coalition of over 60 independent family farmers. They strive to reach excellence by never sacrificing quality.
OUR LAMB + BISON + ELK + VEAL FARMERS
Great Range Bison brings you the finest bison cuts directly from the premier bison ranches in North America. Our bison are raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones and are fed a vegetarian diet of grasses and grains. For the past 30 years, we have worked closely with our rancher/producers to ensure their bison are raised sustainably.
Founders, Lee and Mary Graese, got their first 2 bison in October of 1994. Lee is a former competitive weightlifter and gym owner and Mary comes from a career as a dietician.
On our farms, veal calves are untethered and can freely socialize with other calves in spacious barns. Our lambs are free to graze on lush pastures on our sheep farms and ranches. Excellent care and humane treatment of our animals are fundamental responsibilities for us and our livestock partners.
OTHER FARM FRESH GOODS
The Holton Homestead was accidentally founded in 2015 when we moved to our small acreage in Elkhart. Immediately, we wanted fruit trees, a garden, animals, and bees. Our mission is to work with nature to provide you with our wholesome foods and natural products. Our promise to you is that our products will always be handcrafted by us.
Ellen Bell founded Bell Farm in 2014 when she and her family moved from the city to the country with two beehives. Over the years they have grown their beekeeping operation significantly. Today, Ellen manages between 50-500 colonies of bees, depending on the time of year.