How often does the average consumer think about how far the food in the grocery has traveled to get there? I would guess the answer to that is seldom. But informed consumers like yourself I would guess are far different. Many of you tell us how appreciative you are that farmers like us are direct marketing to you instead of using the conventional channels. And we try to make it a point to say thanks to you right back because it takes both a willing consumer and a willing farmer to revive local food systems.
The answer to the question of how far a meal travels from farm to plate in the U.S. is an estimated 1,500 miles. This is troublesome for not only the classic reasons like a heavy carbon footprint and unripe harvesting in the case of produce, but even more so when we consider things like the global supply chain disruption caused and exacerbated by Covid-19.
Local food systems can and will accel in this new environment we find ourselves in. The average meat cut you receive from Watson Farms travels about 140 miles to and from the processor. It is then either picked up here at the farm or delivered to a customer’s doorstep in Charlotte, Columbia, Greenville-Spartanburg, or Charleston or suburbs in those markets. That’s a lot less than 1,500 miles! Local food systems are more resilient than systems that rely on cheap fuel and low driver wages – both of which could be a thing of the past.
So by your continued support of Watson Farms, you are opting out of the increasingly-fragile nationwide food supply chain for a more resilient local model. And as I say on many of our tours, that’s better for the animals, the farmer, and you!
Now, enjoy some scenes from the farm!
Our latest flock of broilers hit 3 weeks old this past Monday, and since the weather was nice we went ahead and moved them out to pasture which they love!
Product Spotlight
Some of the restaurants that we serve our ground beef to have slowed down a little amid the current challenges. So we are now offering these 5-lb packs to you! Save $1.50/lb when compared to our 1-lb packs!
We re-use packaging!
We’ve seen a good response to our efforts in re-using packaging! Thanks and keep it up.
You can help us reduce our carbon footprint by returning your CLEAN egg cartons and meat boxes.
The main reason that we switched to plastic egg cartons a while back was because they are so much more durable than paper which could only be used once. They also protect the eggs much better!
So if you have some egg cartons or boxes to return, you can just place them on your porch on your home delivery day. Farm pickup customers can, of course, drop them off when you come to pick up your new order.
Thanks for helping us re-use our packaging!
Referral Program
If you enjoy our products please consider passing the word along to your neighbors, friends and family! We don’t spend a lot of money of advertising but rather depend on customers like yourself to advertise for us if they are amazed by our products and customer service.
All you have to do is refer someone to us and when they place an order for the first time they will get a link to a form where they can say who referred them. You and the new customer will receive a $15 credit! So make sure they tell us your name. Hit the button for more info!
Order Deadlines
Charleston: 12 noon Mondays
GSP: 12 noon on Wednesdays
Charlotte/Rock Hill: 12 noon Fridays
Farm Pickup: Please wait until you receive an email stating that your order is ready to be picked up (usually 1 business day from when you place your order). Farm Pickups will now be done during our store hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am to 6pm
- Saturday: 10am to 2pm
- Closed Sunday and Wednesday
Did you know that we have a webpage that displays all the reviews we have received?
Check it out!
Check out this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review:
It was a delight to be able to take our kids out to enjoy their farm tour. The family is great, and very open and honest about all of their farming practices; can’t wait to try out their steaks!”
We would greatly appreciate it if you would be kind enough to leave us a review. It helps first-time customers purchase with confidence.
Thanks again for being partners in this endeavor of local, pasture-raised proteins that has truly transformed our farm. We look forward to continuing this transition while serving you long into the future.
Sincerely,
The Watsons
Pasture Posts is written by Matt Watson.