Whistle Stop Q&A: Anderson Meats

For the next few months, Patch will spotlight a vendor at the Whistle Stop market each week and ask them about their food philosophy. First up, a new vendor: Anderson Meat Company. 

•  What is your business’s name?

Anderson Meat Company 

•  What are you selling at this year’s Whistle Stop market?

All Natural Meats that are raised without antibiotics, hormones or artificial growth stimulants.  Our product line includes:  Buffalo (Bison), Beef, Lamb & Chicken. 

• Where’s your farm or where is your product made?

Our ranch is in North Dakota, the region where the best tasting bison originates.

• How long have you been in this business?

Anderson Meat Company has been in business for years.  My family started our business venture with Anderson Meat Company this past fall in 2010 as a distributor, because we fell in love with their products as a customer!

• Why should people buy at the farmers market vs. the grocery story?  

Grocery stores are important and have their benefits, but we believe the Farmers Markets offer many things to the consumer: 

Quality - Products made fresh and free of the many harmful elements that cause sickness and disease.  We’re selling specialty products, made, grown and raised with love and care.  We’re not a commodity.

Education - Vendors are great educators to the consumer, and can contribute to improved overall health and nutrition through awareness. 

Fundamental - The Farmers Market environment is fun, friendly and, I believe, fundamental for a healthy future for us all.  And no matter how hectic our lives get in this metropolitan life, we all seem to relate to “a simpler time” as we take a stroll, taking in the fresh air and enjoying the foods nature intended!

Taste – Everything fresh from the market just tastes better!  Maybe it’s because we feel better, too, about what we’re eating that brings so much satisfaction.

• Why did you start your farm or business?

With today’s uncertainty, we wanted to start a business that would help us work towards more financial independence.  Anderson Meats was a great fit, because we knew we could proudly, without hesitation, sell this high quality line of meats.  It is a product we believe in because we know it offers great taste and value to our customers, while contributing to a healthier, stronger and fully-engaged lifestyle.

•  What is the most unique item that you’ll have at the market this year? Tell us about it.

 The most unique items would probably be our buffalo pizzas, hot dogs, brats and briskets…all great for summer fun!

• Tell us about your growing practices or philosophy. Is your produce certified organic? Pesticide-free? Do you use only natural products to make your product?   

To ensure consistency, safety and quality of our products, the Anderson Meat Company uses a select set of smaller processing plants that operate under our very strict guidelines, along with those set by state and federal agencies. 

All of our products are free of antibiotics, hormones or artificial growth stimulants.  The animals are raised humanely in open range environments.  Our products come vacuum sealed and fresh frozen to ensure quality is maintained from the time it is processed until the time it’s on your table!

Editor's note: The Whistle Stop market is on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. See norcrossfarmersmarket.com for more info.