The day of…

The animals…

While it is not necessary for the animal to be penned, I will need to be within 15 feet of the animal to make an accurate, ethical stunning shot. Often, food is an effective way to bring animals into position, so “treats” on hand are helpful to have. If I am unable to make an ethical and safe shot, we will be forced to reschedule or in the worst case, cancel our appointment.

While most slaughtering facilities prefer you withhold feed from your animals at least a day before slaughter, I do not make this request. Because I deal with so few animals on the day of slaughter, full stomachs don’t add to my rendering in any appreciable way. I would much rather your animals are fat and happy.

The work site…

My trailer must be able to get within 50 feet of where the animal is stunned and bled. The two exceptions for this would be for 1) sheep and goats and 2) if you have a motorized vehicle that can drag hogs and cattle to within 50 feet of my trailer.

To help maintain a sanitary work site I need access to a charged garden hose. Frequent rinsing of the carcass and tools are a necessary part of the slaughtering process.

What’s left…

Once the animal is stunned, they must be bleed for meat quality. This happens in the pen or pasture.

Ruminants’ first stomachs are where plant matter is first broken down and are, by far, the largest organ in their digestive systems by volume and when full, weight. The contents of the stomachs resemble wet lawn clippings in both appearance and physical makeup and add a tremendous weight to my rendering barrels. I kindly request that I am allowed to leave the stomach contents on site.

I can haul everything else away.

If you would like to save the “offal” for any reason (composting, coyote bait, etc.) I will happily oblige.