Meat Work. Whole Damn Animal. In this conversation meet James Lum III and Matthew Greene of JM Stock Provisions. Our very own whole animal butchery right here in Charlottesville, Virginia. Third partner Hunter Hopcroft of the Richmond outpost couldn't join us, but no worries. We had enough butcher talk to go around!
I always ask the question, "Who should I talk to next?" at the end of each Edacious conversation. When you get to four or five saying, "Talk to JM Stock!" you take the hint. These guys are the real deal. They're doing the work, not just presenting an image to promote an image or make money. Every "Beef Day" they're in the back breaking down entire animals. Autumn Olive Farms, a past podcast guest, delivers whole pigs, Free Union Grass Farm delivers ducks, and River Oak Farm brings chickens just to name a few.
In sourcing locally and supporting sustainable agriculture is often seen as "hippy-dippy" or elitist, particularly in Charlottesville. But as Matt says so eloquently, part of JM Stock's goal is to support local, sustainable agriculture even in an area where real estate costs are high which means the cost to produce said animal is higher. That doesn't mean it has to be fancy, or only for the rich, or for those folks who consider themselves homesteaders. It should and can be for everybody.
How do you make a visit to the butcher less intimidating? We talk about that at length. Ideally, it should be no more fear-inducing than talking to your pharmacist, your hairdresser, or your barista. JM Stock knows interaction is key and keeps that goal in mind with every guest. Greeting every customer, engaging with them, getting to know them, asking questions, offering advice. When you have 80+ varieties of sausage alone, it helps when you feel comfortable enough to converse!
JM Stock has breakfast biscuits with their award-winning Tasso ham each and every morning. Specialty sandwiches on the weekend. One of the most extensive collections of beer, wine, and cheese in the area. This isn't just a butcher shop folks, but a 7-days-a-week farmer's market, a place to visit daily, to talk, converse about meat, and pick up whatever delicacies you need to feed your family. This episode only solidified my commitment to eating meat that is humanely raised and sustainable, which makes it the most delicious you'll ever taste. Give a listen then get you some. I recommend the Cerdito sausage. Instant Best of 2017 contender. Cheers!
