Whole Animal Butchering

“Rancher’s don’t raise a ribeye, they raise a cow”

A traditional practice rooted in honoring the whole animal, clarity in sourcing, reducing waste, and inspiring creativity in the kitchen

What is Whole Animal Butchering?

Whole animal butchering is the traditional process of sourcing, slicing, and utilizing the entire animal for meat. It requires skill in both knowing how to butcher a whole animal, as well as the skill in knowing how to cook and prepare all parts of the animal. It is a practice that honors the entire animal by reducing waste in the butchering process by utilizing as much of the animal as possible.

Why is Whole Animal Butchering Important?

The importance of whole animal butchering can be summed up in one word:

Respect

Respect for...

  • Animals, by using every part and reducing waste

  • Ranchers, by paying them a fair price and supporting local producers

  • Consumers, by maximizing quality, value, variety, freshness, clarity in sourcing, and providing a way to vote with your dollar in a way that aligns with your values

  • Workers, by paying a living wage and providing safe work conditions

  • Agricultural lands & ecological systems, by supporting ranchers that practice regenerative agriculture, prioritize animal welfare, conserve natural resources, and value biodiversity

  • A diversified and decentralized food system, by supporting local farmers and ranchers

  • Traditional crafts, by honoring a lost art form of craft butchery and encouraging creativity in the kitchen

Why is it Important for You as a Consumer?

#1. Clarity of Sourcing
With whole animal butchering, there's no question where your meat came from. There is transparency in the process as to how the animal was raised, what it ate, where it was raised and slaughtered, and how it arrived on your dinner table.

#2. Price & Quality
As consumers, you will be maximizing quality, value, freshness, and variety in the meat you consume.

#3. Environmentally Sustainable
Animals can be sourced locally, reducing transportation and shipping costs. Supporting butchers that are purchasing animals from ranchers practicing regenerative agriculture practices ensures that environmental sustainability, biodiversity, soil health, water use, and land regeneration practices are prioritized.

#4. Changing the Food System
"Eating is an agricultural act"--Wendell Berry
Every purchase you make is the opportunity to put your money towards what you value.

Moving Forward

All of us at True Food are excited to be moving in the direction of in-house whole animal butchering! We hope you enjoy the fresh & delicious meals that come from this new endeavor!