In this episode of Meat Success, Katie Olthoff, Co-Founder of ChopLocal talks with Sam Santry from Sweetwater Farm and Ranch Co. in central California. Sam describes the farm's unique geography in the Sierra Nevada foothills and their focus on raising Berkshire pork. The conversation covers the logistics of selling high-quality pork to various restaurants, including fine dining establishments, the importance of building strong relationships with chefs, and overcoming challenges in the supply chain. Sam explains the long-term strategy of offering free samples, emphasizing building trust with chefs and restaurant owners, and adjusting to customer needs. They also discuss difficulties of working with grocery stores, the incremental success in marketing directly to consumers, and using regenerative farming practices to improve soil health. Sam shares the farm's journey from simply having land to creating a sustainable business model, the challenges and rewards of their approach, and insights into effective marketing and establishing partnerships. Learn more about Sam and his operation here: https://www.swfrc.com/

Make sure to sign up for the Spring Webinar Series, where we are sharing strategies on how to better sell your meat! Learn more here: https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/blog/2025-meat-marketing-webinars

And learn more about ChopLocal and ChopLocal University Below!

• https://choplocal.com/
• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/

In this episode of Meat Success, Katie Olthoff, co-founder of ChopLocal, interviews Marc from Cedar Road Meats in Wisconsin. Marc details the history and evolution of the family-owned business, which began in 2004 and recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Initially focused on survival and providing local farmers with quality meat processing services, Cedar Road Meats transitioned to a federally inspected facility, expanding its offerings to include a storefront and sales in supermarkets. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of running a small meat processing business, such as dealing with seasonal dips, the importance of skilled labor, the shift away from deer processing, and exploring value-added products. Marc emphasizes the importance of consistent quality service, improving internal processes, customer communication, and maintaining good relationships with both employees and local farmers. He also shares insights on the impact of the pandemic on the business and future growth strategies that involve leveraging online sales and innovative marketing.

Make sure to sign up for the Spring Webinar Series, where we are sharing strategies on how to better sell your meat! Learn more here: https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/blog/2025-meat-marketing-webinars

And learn more about ChopLocal and ChopLocal University Below!

• https://choplocal.com/
• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/

In this episode of 'Meat Success' from ChopLocal University, Katie Olthoff interviews Ryan Studnicka of Studnicka Cattle Co. in Muscadet, Wisconsin. Ryan shares his journey from growing up on a multi-generation dairy farm to transitioning into the grass-finished cattle business. He discusses the intricacies and benefits of rotational grazing, emphasizing soil health, pasture management, and maintaining high-quality beef. Ryan also delves into his marketing strategies, the importance of customer service, and the role consistency plays in his business's growth. The conversation includes the personal aspects of his busy life, balancing farm operations with family commitments, and coaching basketball.

Connect with Studnicka Cattle Co. Online Below

• https://www.studnickacattleco.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/studnickacattleco
• https://www.facebook.com/studnickacattleco

Make sure to sign up for the Spring Webinar Series, where we are sharing strategies on how to better sell your meat! Learn more here: https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/blog/2025-meat-marketing-webinars

And learn more about ChopLocal and ChopLocal University Below!

• https://choplocal.com/
• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/

In this episode of the "Meat Success" podcast from Choplocal, co-founder Katie Olthoff interviews Sydney Hadacek, a key member of the Choplocal team. Sydney shares her agricultural background and her journey from growing up on an Angus cattle farm in Eastern Iowa to her role at Choplocal, where she supports vendors—farmers and butcher shops—in setting up and managing their online stores. She discusses her experience, particularly in email marketing, inventory management, and vendor relations, offering valuable insights for vendors considering selling their products online.

Make sure to sign up for the Spring Webinar Series, where we are sharing strategies on how to better sell your meat! Learn more here: https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/blog/2025-meat-marketing-webinars

And learn more about ChopLocal and ChopLocal University Below!

• https://choplocal.com/
• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/

In this podcast episode, Katie Olthoff from Choplocal sits down with Chris and Tawney Wolters, first-generation farmers who started Fluffy Butt Farms in Michigan. The Wolters transitioned from careers in the airline industry to farming during the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with chickens and eventually expanding to goats, pigs, and cows.

They share insights on their farm's operations, including challenges with raising certain animals, the growth of their business through farmers markets, email marketing, and their goat grazing service. They also discuss their approach to raising niche breeds and maintaining high-quality meat products, emphasizing the importance of ongoing learning and building customer relationships through direct sales and social media engagement.

Connect with Fluffy Butt Farms Online

• https://www.fluffybuttfarmsmi.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/fluffybuttfarmsmi

Learn more about ChopLocal and ChopLocal University below

• https://choplocal.com/
• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/

In this episode, Katie Olthoff interviews Kyle Fannin from Lazy Creek Meats, discussing the history and evolution of their family-run cattle business. They explore the importance of genetics in cattle production, the impact of COVID-19 on consumer demand, and the strategies Lazy Creek Meats employs to market their products directly to consumers. Kyle shares insights on building a brand through storytelling, leveraging professional networks, and the significance of customer feedback in defining success for their business. In this conversation, Kyle and Katie discuss the importance of marketing tools for producers, the connection between producers and consumers, and the significance of understanding audience demographics. They share insights on learning from failures, maximizing product value, and targeting health-conscious consumers. The discussion emphasizes the need for producers to adapt their strategies based on customer preferences and market trends, while also highlighting the importance of building relationships within the industry.

Connect with Lazy Creek Meats Online

• https://www.lazycreekmeats.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555964440665

Learn more about ChopLocal and ChopLocal University below

• https://choplocal.com/
• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/

Summary

In this episode of the Meat Success podcast, Katie Olthoff interviews Anna from Over the Moon Farm and Flowers. They discuss the unique journey of Anna's farm, which started with cut flowers and expanded into meat sales. The conversation explores the challenges and successes of navigating different markets, understanding customer demographics, and the importance of diversifying protein offerings. Anna shares insights on marketing niche products like pork and the innovative steps they are taking to enhance their business. In this conversation, Anna Hankins discusses her experiences and insights as a farmer transitioning from farmers markets to a more sustainable business model. She shares her journey of participating in the Midwest Meat Summit, the challenges of poultry processing, and the importance of social media in connecting with customers. Anna emphasizes the need for a sustainable farming approach that supports the community and other businesses, while also defining success in terms of longevity and impact.

Connect with Over the Moon Farm and Flowers Online

• https://overthemoonfarmiowa.com/

Learn more about ChopLocal and ChopLocal University below

• https://choplocal.com/
• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/

In this podcast episode, Katie Olthoff from Choplocal interviews Candice, who runs White Barn Beef with her husband Jason in Portal, Arizona. They discuss their unique approach to farming in the desert, combining crop cultivation with cattle feeding in an environment traditionally seen as unsuitable for such practices.

Candice also highlights their journey into the direct-to-consumer beef market, particularly how COVID-19 spurred their business growth, leading them to sell American Wagyu beef. They delve into their marketing strategies, including social media use, farmer's markets, and the successful transition to shipping beef to broader markets.

Learn more about ChopLocal and ChopLocal University below

• https://choplocal.com/
• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/

In this inaugural episode of the ChopLocal podcast, Meat Success, co-founders Katie Olthoff and Jared Achen introduce the premise of the platform, sharing stories and expert insights on selling meat directly to consumers. They delve into Jared's background, how ChopLocal started, and the challenges faced by farmers and butcher shops.

Key topics include the value of mentorship and real-world experience, the debated role of consultants, and the importance of farmers valuing their time. They also highlight the significance of balancing business growth with personal fulfillment and mental health.

Learn more about ChopLocal and ChopLocal University below

• https://choplocal.com/
• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/