Meet My Local, Independent Butcher!

The loss of consumer contact with a local butcher whom they know and trust is one of the most damaging aspects of the rise of factory farms. The “butchers” of today are really not even butchers. They are simply specialty grocery workers who receive prepackaged and precut portions of meat off a delivery truck and arrange them in a desirable manner in the meat cooler section of the store.

It gets worse.

A common practice for supermarkets and even large healthfood store chains is to gas meat to keep it red even after the expiration date.

Finding a Local Butcher

Most consumers have never met a real butcher. This is someone responsible for the respectful slaughter and traditional meat processing of locally raised livestock.

Massive, USDA approved slaughterhouses have put an end to this time-honored, local profession. Moving the processing of animals as far away from the consumer as possible keeps the horrific practices of factory farming hidden from the public.

In some states, reporting on the secret abuses of factory farms is even illegal!

Better Quality and Prices

While I buy most of my meat from local, grassbased farms, I sometimes run out of certain cuts or bones for making homemade chicken or beef stock. It is sometimes hard to precisely estimate a family’s food needs several months ahead.

During those times when I need a local place to go that has quality meat and bones to fill the gap, John’s Butcher Shop fits the bill. It is as close to a traditional butchery as I have ever found in my community.

Founded in 1973, John’s Butcher Shop offers antibiotic and steroid free beef. The resident butchers cut it up fresh on the premises. The actual slaughter is done elsewhere, however.

In addition, John’s meats have never been frozen. This is a big deal as large food chains typically freeze/thaw their meat cuts. This can happen at least a couple of times before the consumer buys it.

I also love the fact that I am supporting a small, local business that has served my semi-rural community for many decades.

A wide variety of meats are frequently available including bison, seasonal rabbit, duck, and gator!

If you live anywhere near the old-time and very quaint downtown of Lutz, be sure to check out John’s Butcher Shop. It is a much healthier alternative to supermarket meat counters and even Whole Foods.

The prices are also more competitive and the quality of the meat just as good or better.