In 2022, NC Choices, in collaboration with our colleagues at Cornell University, launched two new and improved tools for NC’s meat handlers, a revised marketing tool: MeatSuite.com and a revised pricing tool: Cornell Meat Price Calculator tool.

The MeatSuite website allows consumers to search for NC farms selling meat in bulk quantities. From quarters and halves to convenient bundles, farms can list their products on MeatSuite for free. The new version includes numerous user-friendly features to promote your products to shoppers. NC Choices advertises the site statewide, so we find the customers and bring them to you!

The Cornell Meat Price Calculator (MPC) is available for free use at www.meatsuite.com. The user-friendly online tool allows farmers to set prices that ensure they reach farm financial goals. The new version allows NC farmers to create a free account and save their data. This way, as their costs change over time, they can revisit the site and make adjustments to their pricing to maintain profitability goals.

To support the launch of the new tools, NC Choices is hosting a series of “Meat Marketing & Pricing” workshops across parts of the state. NC Choices staff Sarah Blacklin, Lee Menius, and Matt LeRoux will demonstrate these new tools and present on related pricing and marketing topics at 4 locations around the state. A complete list of locations and dates, as well as registration details follow.

Presenters:

Matt LeRoux- Marketing Specialist at NC Choices & Cornell University

Matt has over 20 years’ experience serving farms through Cornell Cooperative Extension, non-profits, and consulting. Specializing in market strategy, Matt works with a diverse mix of produce and livestock farmers and food businesses. Career highlights include developing the Marketing Channel Assessment Tool for produce growers and the Cornell Meat Price Calculator.

Sarah Blacklin- NC Cooperative Extension Program Director at NC Choices.
Since 2003, Sarah has helped small NC farmers maximize direct and wholesale marketing efforts to enhance profitability. Sarah’s work has gained attention on the local and national level.

Lee Menius- Technical Specialist at NC Choices
Throughout his career, his work has focused on educational projects and working with producers to develop effective pasture-based systems.

Monday September 12 @ 6-8 pm (Meal at 5:30)
WNC Livestock Center, 474 Stock Dr. Canton, NC
Registration- https://forms.gle/b1AMT6CBHL5pSFDM7 Please register by Sept 9th
Call Buncombe at 828-255-5522 or Haywood at 828-456-3575 with any questions

Tuesday September 13 @ 6-8pm (Meal at 6:30pm)
Watauga Ag-Conference Center 252 Poplar Grove Road Boone NC
Please Call the Watauga Extension Office (828-264-3061) or email eddy_labus@ncsu.edu to register.