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Meat processor hopes consumers consider buying direct after COVID-19

The owner of a rural meat processing company hopes consumers will consider purchasing meat directly from farmers and processors, even after COVID-19.

Tom Eickman with Eickman’s Processing Company in Seward, Illinois tells Brownfield empty meat cases at grocery stores during the pandemic have brought many new and even urban customers to his business. He says he expects some consumers will decide to source their meat from local processors long term.

“I am hoping this might be introducing some people to the idea that maybe buying a hog and putting it in the freezer is a better option than going to the grocery store every week and buying what is on the shelf there.”

Eickman says while he welcomes the business, ultimately, he would like for consumers to connect directly with farmers.  

“When a consumer locks in with a farmer, they know that they get good products and they form a relationship with them. It gets them back a little bit more to the roots of everything and they can learn more about the product, about how livestock is raised and the processes that go along with converting that livestock over to a usable product for the end consumer.”  

Eickman says he is looking forward to opening his facilities back up to the public so he can continue to show producers how their product looks on the rail and educate consumers about their operation.

Interview with Tom Eickman

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