Frequently Asked Questions
So... are you Jake?
Click a topic below to learn how we raise, pack, and deliver your food.
Nope, but we know him pretty well.
Jake’s Country Meats was named after Nate and Lou Ann’s firstborn son, Jacob. When they started the business, they drew names out of a hat and Jacob’s name was picked. What began as a small idea to raise good food and sell it directly to families slowly grew into what we are today. The name stuck, and so did the mission: quality meats, pasture raised with care, from people you actually know.
Jake’s Country Meats was named after Nate and Lou Ann’s firstborn son, Jacob. When they started the business, they drew names out of a hat and Jacob’s name was picked. What began as a small idea to raise good food and sell it directly to families slowly grew into what we are today. The name stuck, and so did the mission: quality meats, pasture raised with care, from people you actually know.
Home Shipping
Ordering & Pickup
Product Information
Animal Care & Farming
Cooking & Storage
Sustainability & Community
Where do you currently ship and how long does it take?
We ship throughout the lower 48 states. Orders leave our farm every Tuesday and usually arrive within 1 to 2 days, depending on your location. You will receive a tracking email once your box is on its way so you can follow it from our farm to your door.
What if I am not home when it is delivered?
No problem. We pack each box with insulation and ice packs so everything stays cold until you get home. Even during warm weather, your order will arrive safely. Just move everything into your freezer or refrigerator when you get home.
How much does shipping cost?
Free shipping starts at $175, depending on your location. Smaller orders have a flat $19.99 shipping fee.
Is there an order minimum?
Yes. Our order minimum for Home Shipping starts at $95, depending on your location.
Can I recycle the packaging?
Yes. Our boxes are recyclable, and our insulated liners are compostable under the right conditions. Cool packs can be reused or disposed of once thawed.
What happens if my order is delayed or arrives with an issue?
Delays are rare, but if a carrier issue affects your delivery or something does not look right, contact us at info@jakescountrymeats.com. We will make it right.
Where can I purchase your meats?
You can order directly from our online store, visit us at our farmers markets, or shop in person at the Meat Shed on the farm. During the winter months, we offer Meat Drops in many of the same towns where we attend farmers markets. Many of our wholesale partners, local co-ops, and restaurants also carry our products.
What is a Meat Drop?
Meat Drops are monthly pre-order pickups that keep local connections going through the colder months. You place your order online, choose a pickup location where we host a Meat Drop, and we bring your order packed and ready for you.
How do I pre-order for a Meat Drop?
Place your order through our online store and select your preferred Meat Drop location at checkout. We will bring your order to that location on the scheduled day.
Can I shop in person at the farm?
Yes. The Meat Shed is open daily from 10 to 7 at 55721 Decatur Rd, Cassopolis, MI. You will find freezers stocked with pasture raised meats and wild caught fish. We accept cash, credit, and debit.
How do I know when the next Meat Drop is scheduled?
We share upcoming Meat Drop dates on our website, in our newsletter, and on social media. You can always check there for the latest schedule.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes. You can buy digital gift cards right through our online store. They make a great way to share good food with friends and family. Gift cards can be used for any online order, including Home Shipping, Meat Drops, and pickup at the farm.
How do I redeem a digital gift card?
After you receive your gift card code, log in to your account (or create one if you’re new).
Go to Account Settings and enter the code on the Redeem Gift Card page.
The balance is added to your account and will automatically apply to your future online orders.
Do you sell wholesale to restaurants or stores?
Yes. We work with restaurants, co-ops, and local retailers throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. If you are interested in carrying our products, send us an email at sales@jakescountrymeats.com and we will follow up with details.
Are your products organic?
We are not certified organic, but we follow strict regenerative and sustainable practices that match or exceed many organic standards. Transparency and animal welfare guide our decisions daily.
Do you use nitrates or fillers in your smoked meats?
No. Our smoked products are made in small batches with simple ingredients and no MSG, fillers, or added nitrates or nitrites.
Do you raise everything on your farm?
We raise the majority of what we offer, including our Pork, Chicken, Lamb, Turkey, and Beef. For some items, we work with a small number of trusted local producers who share our values. For example, our Great Lakes fish is wild-caught by local fisheries we have partnered with for over a decade.
Do you butcher your own animals?
We partner with small, USDA inspected processors located near our farm. They share our commitment to humane handling and quality. Keeping processing close to home helps reduce animal stress and maintain freshness. All of our processors are Animal Welfare Approved.
Are your meats frozen or fresh?
Most of our meats are flash frozen soon after processing. Freezing locks in quality, allows for seasonal harvesting, and helps reduce waste while giving you consistent access year round.
Do you offer special or seasonal items?
Yes. Throughout the year we offer seasonal items such as hams, turkeys, and specialty sausages, along with limited small batch products. Keep an eye on our online store and newsletter for updates.
What are heritage breeds?
Heritage breeds are traditional livestock lines that do well outdoors and produce flavorful, nutrient dense meat. Our Duroc and Berkshire cross pigs are a great example, known for marbling, hardiness, and overall quality.
What does "pasture raised" mean on your farm?
It means animals spend their lives with access to pasture, fresh air, and room to move. We rotate them regularly so they have clean ground, fresh forage, and a low stress environment.
What does "Certified Grass fed" mean?
Our cattle and sheep are 100 percent grass fed and grass finished and never receive grain. We are certified and audited by A Greener World to verify that standard.
Do you use antibiotics or hormones?
We have not needed antibiotics in over a decade. Clean water, space, pasture rotation, and careful management keep our animals healthy. We do not use added growth hormones.
How are animals treated on harvest day?
We believe each animal should have a respectful life and a calm, low stress final day. Our partner processors are Animal Welfare Approved and follow humane handling practices we trust.
Why do you use Non-GMO grains?
We moved to Non-GMO grains after hearing from our customers and seeing positive results in animal health. Our pigs and poultry receive a Non-GMO grain ration along with what they forage on pasture.
How do you manage your pastures?
We use rotational grazing. Animals move frequently across the farm so grasses can rest, regrow, and build stronger root systems. This improves soil structure, biodiversity, and overall land health over time.
What do your animals eat?
Our pigs and poultry eat a Non-GMO grain blend grown and milled on our farm, along with pasture forage. Our cattle and sheep are 100% grass fed and grass finished.
What is the best way to thaw pasture raised meat?
Thaw slowly in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. For a quicker method, place the sealed package in a bowl of cool water and change the water as needed. Avoid microwaving, since it can affect texture.
How long can meat stay frozen?
Properly wrapped and frozen, our meats maintain best quality for up to a year. The USDA notes that frozen meat is safe indefinitely, but flavor and texture are best within that first year.
Any tips for cooking grass fed beef?
Grass fed beef is leaner, so it cooks faster. Use slightly lower heat, shorter cook times, and avoid overcooking. Medium rare to medium is usually the sweet spot.
How should I store smoked meats?
Keep smoked items like bacon and sausage refrigerated and use by the date on the package. For longer storage, you can freeze them.
Do you share recipes?
Yes. You can find recipes and meal ideas at
jakescountrymeats.com/recipes
and in our newsletter.
What does regenerative farming mean for you?
For us, regenerative farming means managing animals and land together to improve soil, water, and wildlife over time. Every rotation and decision is made with long term health in mind.
How do your practices improve soil health?
Rotational grazing spreads nutrients naturally, protects living roots, and helps build organic matter. Over time this leads to better water holding capacity, more resilient grasses, and healthier ecosystems.
What is your approach to waste and byproducts?
We aim to use as much as possible. Bones and fat become broth or pet treats, and manure is returned to the fields as a natural fertilizer. The goal is to keep nutrients cycling on the farm instead of being thrown away.
Do you work with local organizations or co-ops?
Yes. We partner with local food co-ops, retailers, and restaurants that share our commitment to transparent sourcing and community based food systems.
How can customers support your mission?
Keep choosing local food, ask questions, and share what you learn with others. Every purchase helps support our family farm, small processors, local partners, and a better food system.
Testimonials
We've loved everything we've ever bought from Jake's! Their bacon, sausage and smoked pork chops are the best. We also love their smoked fish! They are a wonderful family that really gets to know its customers. We love stocking our freezer with locally produced meats from a smaller family farm.
Love Jake’s meat and that I can get great syrup and other ethically sourced local goods from such fine folk. We started buying from them early last year and are hooked. Its rare 😉 for us to buy any meat elsewhere these friendly folk.