We were thrilled to join NC Choices for the Carolina Meat Conference in Boone this year. The networking is always the best part and we had a great time seeing old friends and making new connections. On our way back to Durham, we each shared our highlights:.
Drew – I really enjoyed the presentations by Jennifer Marten from Colorado State University about meat quality and the role of proper refrigeration. Fun fact: Did you know that for every five degree increase in temperature, bacterial growth in meat doubles? It makes me appreciate having our new cooler and freezer so we can really optimize conditions for meat quality and safety. It was impressive to see how many of my colleagues have advanced their butchery skills. I remember at one of the first Carolina Meat Conferences that Ross Flynn and I were both learning how to break down a chicken. And now look at him teaching classes and operating Left Bank Butchery, an established and successful whole animal butchery shop.
Melissa – I was grateful to connect with so many of our customers, including Todd Dumbke at Wellspring, Aaron Stiennessen at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, Jacob Boehm of Snap Pea, Chris Stevens at the Durham Co-Op Market and Tanya Cauthen and her team at Belmont Butchery. Instead of talking about their orders, we could just “hang” and get to know each other. I also enjoyed hearing Temple Grandin talk about humane handling and livestock production. She’s a hoot!
Tina – I got a lot out of the presentation by Todd Churchill (formerly of 1,000 Hills meat company) about the Principles of Financial Regeneration. All the same principles that make a pasture or farm regenerative can make a business regenerative. Concepts like diversification, long term (perennial) planning, and the need for disturbance and rest are all applicable to how we continue to think about building our company. And Greg Fischel (former TV weatherman) gave a really good talk about climate change and the importance of taking our political ideologies out of the equation and instead listening to the scientists!