In an earlier blog, we looked at some of the Common Misunderstandings About Small-Scale Sustainable Pork Farming. So, this month, we wanted to explore the importance of small-scale meat processing.
At Spragg’s Meat Shop, not only do we raise our own pork ethically and sustainably, but we also process our products on-site. And in addition to our own meats, did you know that we can process other local meat as well? You can drop off your frozen trim at either of our locations; we will process your order in Rosemary and contact you when we have everything done. From September to December, we also accept legally hunted wild game and offer everything from skinning to cut and wrap to sausage and jerky.
With that in mind, we wanted to take an opportunity to share some of the ways we believe small-scale meat processing can play an important role in our food eco-system.
It’s Better for Workers
The unfortunate reality is that the highly repetitive nature of work in a large meat processing plant can result in issues with chronic pain and repetitive stress injuries for workers in these facilities.
Small-scale processing plants do not require the same level of intensity, speed and repetitive motion, and workers are better able to practice a full range of meat cutting skills.
Food Safety & Quality
Reducing the distance food has to travel improves animal welfare and the quality of the products produced. Traceability and food safety are far more manageable when there are fewer steps between the pasture and your plate.
Also, small-scale processers focus on quality and diversity of products over volume, and can offer personalized customer service and custom requests. National brand products like bacon, sausage and sandwich meat are often made in completely automated plants, so the choice becomes whether you want your food made by machines or made by people. And, unfortunately, in large-scale processing plants, you won’t be able to get to know your butcher or request that specific cut you’re looking for!
Food Security & Sustainability
One of the unfortunate things that the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed is that managing outbreaks in a large-scale meat processing plant is daunting. The industry has trended towards fewer facilities of a much larger size, and there may be serious potential risks to our food supply with production concentrated in so few places.
Better for Local Economies
Small, regional farms and small-scale meat processing facilities require highly skilled and better-paid labour. These smaller operations actually offer more and better employment opportunities than large operations that attempt to maximize efficiency with automated processes and limited staff. This keeps wages for workers fair and profits in local economies.
At Spragg’s Meat Shop, we’re the farmer, the butcher and the meat shop! We are proud to be family-owned and locally run right here in Rosemary, Alberta. We produce the highest quality, ethically raised and sustainable meats. So get to know your butcher and visit us – we are also happy to offer custom orders and cuts so you can get exactly what you’re looking for!
Stop by one of our two Calgary locations, including The Calgary Farmer’s Market or our Rosemary meat shop to buy local, eat local and support sustainable farming!
SPRAGG’S MEAT SHOP CALGARY
9675 Macleod Trail SE
Calgary, AB, T2J 0P6
P: 403.255.1232
E: calgarystore@spraggsmeatshop.com
SPRAGG’S MEAT SHOP ROSEMARY
438 Centre St
Rosemary, AB, T0J 2W0
P: 403.378.3800
E: meatshop@spraggsmeatshop.com