Welcome to MaineStock

More than any other State, Maine has the ability to become a leader in developing a sustainable food economy. As we look harder at the work that needs to be done, we clearly see the missing pieces of infrastructure that will enable Maine to reach this goal.

The MaineStock project has grown from a simple answer to the needs of a small group to a plan that embraces and meets the larger needs of Maine's agricultural economy and Maine’s consumers.

MaineStock will be a new Inspected processing facility producing quality, Maine raised meat products under the MaineStock label and provide state-of-the-art slaughter/fabrication services to Maine's livestock farmers.

Addressing Important Issues

MaineStock will address the important issues that until now, have kept our State from becoming a leader in quality meat production. The key issues are capacity, quality and distribution. By addressing these issues creatively, MaineStock will become a leading provider of affordable all natural, grass fed and organic locally raised red meat products for all Maine consumers. We need an efficient, regional conduit to ensure food security, the future health of our families and the continuation and growth of our livestock industry. The time has come for Maine to take control of its own agricultural destiny and create the opportunities that will maintain our economic viability and MaineStock is an integral part of that process.

Our key strategy is to produce a range of fresh cut meats and create unique value-added products available to customers through multiple delivery platforms. In addition we will offer traditional slaughter and processing services to local and regional farmers. This will distinguish MaineStock from standard processors and provide increased opportunities for Maine farms.

We will be USDA Inspected, HACCP certified, Certified Humane® and Certified Organic by USDA and MOFGA. Our business practices adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards.

Commitment to Maine's Consumers

The safety, security, and sustainability of our food system has become a mainstream concern. Expectations for traceability, transparency and accountability in agriculture and the food industry are increasing. Best-selling books like ""Fast Food Nation"" and ""The Omnivore's Dilemma,” recent food contamination scares and recalls have raised consumer concern to an all time high. Increasingly, consumers want high quality foods that fit their values. They want food that connects them with people and the land, with an authentic story about health, artisan craftsmanship, and social and environmental responsibility.

Food security can only be achieved through local production. MaineStock will enable consumers to purchase a product that from start to finish is truely ""Maine Made"".

We understand that Maine will never be able to compete with Midwest livestock plants on quantity, and price - to do this is to look backwards. Now is the time to move forwards and capture the growing market for quality and diversity. Maine is within a day's drive of over 70 million consumers, a large portion who are actively looking for foods that meet a higher standard. MaineStock will be the driving force to make Maine meats as famous as Maine lobster.

Commitment to Maine's Agricultural Community

MaineStock believes in a long term commitment to provide economic incentives to a broad range of Maine farmers. For example, the MaineStock Livestock Program will include initiatives like helping dairy farmers benefit financially from the sale of male calves. MaineStock will purchase these unwanted animals from dairy farmers and place them with new or established beef farmers. Male dairy calves can be profitably marketed as “rose veal”, “baby beef” and as hamburg steers for value priced healthy beef for schools and institutions.

MaineStock promises to source ingredients used in our value-added products from sustainable growers in Maine whenever possible. MaineStock will partner with farmers, advocacy groups and government agencies to identify issues that impede growth in our livestock industry and find new ways to meet these challenges. We will serve as training ground and educational resource for the next generation of meat cutters and fabricators.

Slow Money Maine Event

This past Thursday MaineStock attended the Slow Money Maine annual gathering in Belfast.

Pig Butchering Seminar with Craig Linke

Saturday, November 12th, 10am start time.

Ever wish you knew how to roll your own pancetta or make delicious sausage? This nose-to-tail pig butchery workshop will demonstrate how to break down a carcass and create classic recipes.

Pingree to introduce Bill aimed at encouraging local food production

Following is an exerpt from the press conference held Monday, October 24th at Jordan Farm in Cape Elizabeth. Over 100 supporters of local foods attended this event including Russell Libby of MOFGA, Warren Knight of Smiling Hill farm with the key note address given by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. Mainestock was interviewd following Pingree's speach. Reporter Josie Huang from Maine Public Broadcasting was there recording the event.

MaineStock participates in VT Meat Producer & Processor Workshop

As the demand for Vermont's high quality meats has grown, it has placed additional pressure on meat production and processing infrastructure. Balancing changes in seasonal demand, adding value to improve the bottom line, understanding and communicating butchering options to different audiences, managing forage for consistent products, and scaling up production to serve wholesale markets are all areas for producers and processors to work on together.

Building a Sustainable Food System

What is a sustainable food (red meat) system?

We hope the following article helps our readers to ask the important questions detailed below when deciding on where and from whom to make their food purchases. Help us set the standards for what the word “Sustainable” can and should mean. We are all part of building a sustainable food system and when we all work together healthy, affordable, fair food will become a reality for all Maine people.