Local meat. Local farms. Simple buying.
Meatory connects consumers directly with independent farms offering locally raised meat. Here is how it works — for buyers and farmers alike.
How buying works
From discovery to pickup, here is what to expect when buying through Meatory.
Find a farm or listing
Search by species, location, farm, or share size to discover available meat from farms near you.
Learn the details
Review the animal, farm practices, processing type, pricing basis, and expected yield before committing.
Reserve or purchase
Place a reservation on a share or purchase available cuts. A deposit may be required for shares.
Communicate with the farmer
Ask questions, confirm details, and coordinate pickup or delivery directly through Meatory messaging.
Processing and fulfillment
For shares, the animal is processed at the scheduled time. You may complete a cut sheet with the processor.
Pick up or receive
Collect your meat at the farm or processor, or arrange delivery if the farm offers it.
Two ways meat may be sold
Meatory supports different ways of purchasing local meat, each with its own characteristics.
Animal shares (custom processing)
You purchase an ownership share of a live animal before processing. Shares are typically sold as whole, half, or quarter animals.
- • You own a share of the animal before harvest
- • Pricing is often based on hanging weight
- • Estimated weights may differ from final weights
- • You may complete a cut sheet with the processor
Subject to state rules. Custom-exempt meat is for personal use and may not be resold.
Inspected packaged meat
USDA or state-inspected cuts, bundles, and boxes purchased as finished packaged products.
- • Purchased as individual cuts or bundles
- • Flat pricing per package
- • Bears the federal or state inspection mark
- • Available when farms offer inspected inventory
Availability of inspected cuts depends on farm inventory and processing type.
Hanging weight vs. take-home meat
When buying a share, it is important to understand the difference between hanging weight (the carcass weight after harvest, before cutting) and take-home weight (the packaged meat you actually receive). Take-home is typically 60–75% of hanging weight, depending on cut selections, bone-in vs. boneless, and trim.
Learn more about beef yield →Trust and transparency
Meatory is built on openness. Here is what we provide to help you buy with confidence.
Verified farms
Farm profiles are reviewed before listings go live. Verification status is displayed on every farm page.
Transparent farm profiles
See farming practices, feeding methods, certifications, and processor information for each farm.
Pricing transparency
Every listing shows its price basis — whether priced per pound on hanging weight or as a flat package price.
Reservation tracking
Follow your reservation through each stage — from interest to deposit, processing, and pickup.
Secure payments
Payments are processed through Stripe. Deposits and balances are handled within the platform.
Direct communication
Message farmers directly through Meatory to ask questions and coordinate details.
Ratings and reviews
Share and read reviews to help build trust between farmers and buyers.