Along the way to Direct to Consumer Beef

Three years ago, when I decided to finish some of our own calves and sell direct to consumer beef, I had no idea where to start. I could talk all day about our cattle, calving, health, genetics, weaning weights, summer pasture and winter hay. But I had no idea about finishing rations, USDA regulations, websites, shipping, or any of the other hundred thing that I didn’t even know I needed to know.

The first thing I did was turned to social media, and I started following the people that where doing what I was wanting to do. I asked questions, and most everyone was more than willing to help. Still I had a lot to learn. I ran across Five Mary’s on Instagram and decided to take one of her online courses. I signed up for the M5 Small Business from Scratch, and step by step learned about logos, building a website, business entities, shipping, and little by little it came together.

Last year I took the M5 Masterminds course, and met other small business owner. I learned so much from them, and became confident in what I was doing.

This year I was asked to help lead a group in the M5 Masterminds. Thinking about everyone who had helped me get started, I felt like it was a way to pay it forward. It was also something that would be out of my comfort zone, and it’s good to step out of that zone sometimes. I am so happy I did it! I have met so many interesting people from all over the US and Canada, all with different businesses, ideas, and struggles. It’s amazing how agriculture looks so different in different places.

This fall Mary invited the M5 leadership team to Fort Jones for a few days to meet in person. Talk business, tour the butchery, her shop, and the ranch. I knew these ladies well over zoom, but had never actually met any of them in person. Excited, a little intimidated, nervous, and back outside my comfort zone, I went to Fort Jones. I had a great time! I learned, and was inspired by everyone there. I really appreciate this group, and have learned through this process that some of the best treasures are found along the way.

Let me introduce you to some of these amazing entrepreneurs.

I’m sure most of you know Mary and Brian Heffernan. They are first generation ranchers in Fort Jones CA. They raise direct to consumer beef, pork and Lamb. They also run all their own beef through their burger house. Mary started M5 entrepreneurs online classes for anyone starting a small business. They most recently put in a USDA processing facility (where we have our meat processed) I am most impressed with how Brian and Mary have done so much in such a short time, and after having met them seeing how down to earth and kind they are. Oh I forgot to mention they have four great girls also named Mary. I would not be in the place I am with my business without Mary’s help. If you are interested in one of Mary’s classes, their meat, or learning more about them, check out their website at Five Mary’s Farm

Liz at Britelime. Liz is a website designer, amazing teacher to anyone wanting to build a website, and just a great person in general. She has helped me so much with my website. Has taught me about SEO (search engine optimization.) A term I had never even heard of. Because of Liz I realize how important SEO is, and the reason I write a blog. Liz builds, and sells website templates geared toward agriculture. She is doing an in person workshop in January, THE WEBSITE WORKSHOP and has a online course called Site Club. She is a great resource for anyone looking to build a website. I am proud to know her.

Brandi at Savage Sublime. One of the most kind people I have met in a long time. So friendly, nice, and interesting to talk to. She makes beautiful cutting and charcuterie boards. She also sells vintage knives and axes that her husband restores. Brandi also has written an eBook called Delightful Survival a crash course in home schooling. Listening to her talk and tell stories about her family and their adventures, I feel like I have lived a boring sheltered life. The only one of us in the M5 leadership group that isn’t in animal agriculture she is a breath of fresh air, and brings a different perspective. So down to earth, and truly a great person.

Della at Circle Bar Co. Della first caught my eye on Instagram because her business name is so close to mine. Her name also comes from a family brand, both circle bars just a little different. So we started with something in common. I discovered as soon as I clicked on her profile that she is an amazing photographer. You can tell from her photos that she loves cattle, (something else in common) and captures them so beautifully in pictures. Della has a gift for it. She also does wedding, family, and product photography. Her website is in the finishing stages of a revamp, and I can’t wait to see it! She is gearing her business more toward business photography, and has a great business plan to get there. Another truly genuine person.

Kendall at Central Park Farms and Marketing for Farmers. I have never met anyone as excited about their business, and helping others grow in theirs, than Kendall. There is no question she is doing exactly what she was put here to do. Kendall has a farm in BC Canada where they raise chickens, hogs, and cattle. She also teaches other business owners about marketing, and business strategies with her online coaching and workshops. Kendall comes in with such great enthusiasm, it’s infectious. If you are just starting out in your business, or if you are looking for some new ideas and inspiration, you should really check out Kendall and Marketing For Farmers. A true gem!

Leslie at Cylon Rolling Acres. If you are looking to learn about goats Leslie is your gal. She has great training guides, blogs, and workshops on all things goat. She also sells goat meat, and will show you how to cook it. Not to mention Leslie is so nice, if you just messaged her a question, she would be so sweet to answer, and she is a wealth of knowledge on regenerative ag. Like Kendall, Leslie’s passion for what she does comes out in the way she talks about it. Leslie’s Wisconsin farm also makes maple syrup which I am excited to try. I am so fortunate to have met Leslie. Another exceptional entrepreneur, and very nice person.

Caroline at Little Creek Lamb, Beef and Ranch Goods. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I have been a stocker of Caroline’s IG @bigskycaroline for awhile now. I think it’s her story that is so interesting to me. She is a first generation rancher, and has worked her tail off to achieve it. Caroline looks at agriculture with fresh eyes, something my jaded and sinical self really is amazed by. She started out with a few sheep and has made it into a successful business. Caroline also hosts women’s retreats like Shepherds Camp so others can learn the techniques of the trade. I think my favorite is Caroline’s Food For Though videos on Instagram where she breaks down the tough topics in agriculture and give just the facts. She has a way of talking to people that is hopeful and optimistic. She is a breath of fresh air and just what this industry needs right now.

Charlie and Kerissa at Covey Rise Farms. Also first generation farmers, Charlie and Karissa have created a great business raising chicken, pork, lamb and beef in Ohio. They have worked hard to build a business that now allows them to ship meat across the US. Charlie and Kerissa have taken their experience and what they have learned and started a consulting business to help others. They are the nicest couple.

All of these first generation farmers and ranchers are so impressive to me. They have a great way of taking business practices learned from other industries, and applying them to agriculture. They really do offer a fresh perspective to a industry that tends to be a little set in it’s ways.

Just as impressive are the generational producers, that have taken what has been built, and grown it. Pivoting, or branching out their business to keep them going for the next generation.

I have learned there is no wrong way to do something, it just has to work for you. These business are a great example of that.

There is so much opportunity to learn from all these folks. I went looking for a little help to start a direct to consumer beef business, and found along the way a group of people that have been supportive, more than helpful, and that I feel I can call on still if I need something. That’s valuable!

Thank you Mary for creating M5 Entrepreneurs!