With food costs continuing to increase, the quality and availability of fresh meat at the grocery store has become a concern for many families. Thankfully, living in Rochester means we are surrounded by farms! There are a variety of options, from pre-ordering a whole butchered animal to selecting fresh cuts of meat. Below is a quick list of some local farms offering fresh meat, followed by a couple of local Butchers who specifically source locally raised animals. Either option can save money on high quality meat while supporting a local business.
When ordering a whole or half animal from a farm, typically a deposit is required up front several months before the animal will be slaughtered. The final price is typically per pound based on the final weight of the animal. You can usually specify the ideal weight you are looking for and farmers will do their best to select the animal closest to your preference. Other farms will sell specific cuts of meat just like a deli.
Local butchers and delis typically offer a wider range of cuts and higher quality products than can be found at the grocery store chains. They frequently cut the meat fresh before your eyes, to your specifications, and can offer more knowledge about the products they prepare. Most of the meat they offer will be locally sourced depending on availability and time of year.
Farms
Barry’s Turkey Farm | Webster
Sells free range organic turkeys for Thanksgiving with pre-ordering typically starting in mid October.
Braided Acres | Hilton
Woman and veteran owned farm specializing in pork. They sell custom cuts, piglets, half and whole pigs. With a reservation, they offer tours of their farm and opportunities to pet their unique Mangalitsa pigs. Their meats are also available on their Manga Roc food truck.
Camman Acres | Brockport
Sells pasture raised beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs and vegetables. Some items are seasonally available for sale through their website. Find them at local farmers markets or contact them for pre-orders of meat.
Fisher Hill Farms | Bristol & Canandaigua
Sells chicken, turkey, duck and eggs year round. Contact them to preorder and pickup from the farm or find them at the Rochester Public Market in Shed A. A variety of local shops and restaurants carry their products as well.
LilyFire Farms | Chili
Woman-owned family farm that sells pasture raised pork, duck, turkey, chicken, free range eggs, goats milk and honey. Some products are available for purchase through their website and they offer pickup at their farm several days each week. They host farm camps and classes.
Ridgecrest Turkey Farm | Brockport
Sells free range turkeys in time for Thanksgiving with ordering typically starting in October. These turkey’s are born in July, fed a vegetarian diet of corn and soy as they roam the open pastures. No growth hormones or antibiotics used. The turkeys can often be seen by passers by from ridge road, though they will seek refuge in the cool barns during hotter temperatures. They are processed at the slaughterhouse on-site the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Robb Farms | Spencerport
Farm-raised Beef and Pork, both antibiotic and hormone free. Honey, maple syrup and seasonal produce is also available for purchase at their farm market.
Stonecrop Farm | Rush & Henrietta
Sells organic, pasture-raised turkeys for Thanksgiving with pre-ordering usually starting in August.
Local Butchers & Delis
Flower City Produce | Rochester Public Market
Sells fresh beef, pork, chicken, goat and more.
Palmer’s | Henrietta
Palmer’s offers a wide range of fresh and frozen meat and seafood.
Skips on the Ridge | Greece
Family-owned butchers offering fresh beef, pork, poultry, sausage, seafood and deli meats.
Swan Market | Rochester
Family-owned and operated German Deli specializing in fresh sausages, German meats and sides. Catering is available. They frequently host live music at their Deli with a lunch menu available during select hours. Additionally, Swan’s products can be found at the Irondequoit farmers’ market.
Triano’s Meat Market | Greece
At this family-owned business, you will find beef, pork, chicken, veal, lamb, sausage, cold cuts and more.
