Honoring the Commitment

There are about 750,000 beef farmers in America. Care to guess how many companies control most of their fate? I'll give you a hint - you can count them on one hand, even if you're missing a finger... 🖐️

That's right - just four meat-packing companies (the folks who process and package all of America's meat) control this entire industry. In fact, these processing giants control 85% of all cattle and 67% of all hog purchases (while another four companies control 60% of the poultry market). Talk about a game of Monopoly gone wrong! And let me tell you, being a small farmer going up against these giants feels about as fair as arm wrestling a tractor.

That's why when Andrea and I started out, we knew finding a small, independent processor that shared our values wasn't just important—it was make-or-break. And folks, we were so serious about this that we did something a little crazy: we processed our own poultry on-farm for seven whole years. Talk about diving into the deep end!

(Quick side story: our first processing setup involved a converted water heater and—I kid you not—a pottery wheel. I could tell you the whole chicken processing saga, but that's probably best saved for another email!)

The incredible team of butchers at our processor, Cypress Valley Meat Company, in Arkansas

When we started Grass Roots in 2014, we knew we'd have to find a processing partner to accommodate our newly formed cooperative of farmers. Between USDA regulations and our tiny processing capacity, there was no way around it. But let me tell you, this wasn't exactly a walk in the pasture. The meat industry has gotten so concentrated that finding small, local processors is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

In fact, here's something I've never shared before: back in 2015, Grass Roots almost went under because we couldn't find a processor that met our standards. I spent days working on processing lines, trying to help facilities improve their methods. Because here's the thing—what's the point of raising animals with such care if the final step doesn't honor that same commitment?

But sometimes, when things look darkest, that's when the light breaks through. In late 2015, I met Andy Shaw, the founder and CEO of Cypress Valley Meat Company. That meeting? It changed everything. Andy wasn't just a business partner—he was a visionary who understood that there had to be a better way.

Andy built a team of career butchers who've dedicated their lives to the craft, many coming from traditional butcher shops. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship, combined with their genuine desire to be true partners to farmers, showed us what was possible when processors see themselves as stewards of both the craft of butchery and the farmer's hard work.

My heart gets heavy writing this next part. We lost Andy way too young in 2021. But let me tell you something—the mark he left on this world? It's profound and lasting. His brother Chris has picked up the torch (or should I say cleaver?) and is carrying forward Andy's incredible mission with the same passion and purpose.

Our skilled, certified butchers hand-cut each piece with care, ensuring you get the finest from every cut.

And while those big four packers keep their workers in the shadows, Cypress Valley is blazing a different trail. They're working toward becoming what I believe would be the first employee-owned meat processing company. Now that's something worth celebrating!

Here's the thing though—none of these changes would be possible without you.

While the big guys are busy protecting their status quo, we're busy building a better way—and it's all because conscientious eaters like you understand that every bite can help tip the scales toward something better.

Together, we're showing what's possible when we value every hand that brings food to the table.

Your farmer,

Cody

P.S. Want to be part of this better food system we're building? Check out our best selling Pasture Raised Chicken Box—it's a taste of what's possible when we do things with intention, from pasture to plate.