The Grain Bin Butchery & Market Offers On-The-Farm Slaughtering
new owners now offer meat delicacies rarely offered in the area
Tucked away off of one of Boyceville’s country roads, the Grain Bin Butchery & Market (E4548 County Rd FF, Boyceville) is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Owners Jason McDonald and Aron Dunn bought the Grain Bin in May 2022. Prior to that, they owned and operated the now-closed biz The Chop Shop north of Wheeler.
McDonald describes The Grain Bin as an “old school butcher.” Their bestselling items include bacon, jalapeno popper brats, Philly steak and cheese brats, ribeyes, and snack sticks. Many customers return to buy the potato sausage, a Scandinavian favorite that is hard to find. The store can also accommodate most special cuts of meat.
McDonald says they take phone calls from customers who have been inspired by the Food Network but can’t find a particular cut of meat in the grocery stores. Meat sold in the retail store is sourced from meat distributors and local farmers.
McDonald’s and Dunn’s butchering operation includes on-the-farm slaughtering for private buyers. Proponents of this slaughtering method find that it is more humane than transporting a cow to a butchery, as some cows won’t easily get into a trailer. Others find that the stress of transportation and an unfamiliar environment can make the beef tough.
On-the-farm slaughter is not widely available in northwestern Wisconsin, and the Grain Bin is eager to expand this service.
Farmers sell the live cow to a group of customers, who each commit to purchasing a quarter or half of beef. Once customers are lined up, McDonald and Dunn travel to the farm for slaughter. The beef is then transported back to The Grain Bin for processing. Individuals interested in purchasing farm-slaughtered beef can call the store to be connected with a farmer or watch Facebook for updates.
Learn more about Grain Bin at grainbinbutchery.com or call (715) 632-2800.