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The Lowdown

Our peer-to-peer learning series for anyone in our Good Meat® universe

Our Lowdowns are a virtual opportunity for Good Meat® farmers, ranchers, butchers, chefs, and processors, to strengthen their marketing and learn from one another. They are hour-long conversations between one or two guests that play a key role in our Good Meat® universe. Each session is focused on a theme related to profitability.

 

Our Lowdowns are released periodically, so the schedule below is not comprehensive to date. To be alerted when there is a new Lowdown, sign up for our newsletter.

2025 Lowdowns

  • April 17th: USDA Meat Product Labeling

    Guests: Steph Harmon, USDA Food Labeling Specialist at Label Compliance Solutions & Cindy McCafferty of McCafferty Ranch Beef

    Product labels aren’t just a USDA requirement—they’re an opportunity to showcase your practices, brand, and values. But understanding the complex rules and regulations can be both daunting and time-consuming. That’s where Steph Harmon, a USDA-compliant label specialist, and Cindy McCafferty, a Montana cattle rancher, come in. With over eight years of experience working together on product labels, Steph and Cindy will break down how to navigate claims like grassfed, all-natural, regenerative, and pasture-raised, as well as how to highlight practices unique to your operation—like Cindy’s sprout-finished beef. They’ll also dive into label design and how to ensure your packaging aligns with your marketing. Tune in to this Lowdown for answers to your USDA labeling questions.

  • May 1st: Balancing the Equation of Pastured Poultry Production

    Guests: Anne Sherman, Of the Land LLC & Ben Grimes, Dawnbreaker Farms

    Raising pastured poultry for profit is a constant balancing act between managing costs, staying true to your values, finding the right markets, and ensuring profitability. Join us for an in-depth conversation with two experienced pastured poultry farmers, each operating in different regions of the country and using distinct models to manage their flocks, markets, and margins. From reducing feed costs and starting CSAs, to selling to restaurants and diversifying their poultry products, our speakers will share practical strategies and lessons learned. Whether you're new to pastured poultry or looking to refine your approach, this Lowdown session will offer valuable insights into balancing the equation for a more sustainable business. 

  • May 15th: A Butcher’s POV on Grazing Practices for Meat Quality

    more information coming soon!

View Past Lowdowns

Did you miss the live recording of a Lowdown? No sweat. You can watch them at any time.
 

You'll find links to past Lowdown recordings here.

Sponsor the Lowdown

Lowdown sponsorships help us continue to host knowledgeable farmers, ranchers, butchers, chefs, and processors who are excited to share their success stories and their struggles with other folks in the good Good Meat® universe. It's precisely this kind of collaboration and knowledge sharing that will help grow an economically viable Good Meat® marketplace. Your sponsorship means we can continue to offer these sessions to the 65,000+ livestock farmers in this country who are selling directly to consumers. Sponsors receive recognition during the Lowdowns, on our website, and on social media, depending on sponsorship level. To learn more and become a sponsor today, email programs@goodmeatproject.org.

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