If you are looking for locally raised, farm-fresh meat in Western Pennsylvania, you have more options than you might think. From Erie to Pittsburgh and everywhere in between, small farms are raising quality beef, pork, and poultry using traditional and regenerative methods. Here is your guide to finding the best local meat in the region.

Why Buy Local Meat?

Before we get into where to find it, let us talk about why local meat is worth seeking out.

You know where it comes from. When you buy from a local farm, you can visit the farm, meet the farmer, and see exactly how the animals are raised. Try doing that with a package from the grocery store.

It is fresher. Local meat goes from the farm to a nearby butcher to your freezer. There is no cross-country trucking, no sitting in a distribution warehouse, and no unknown handling along the way.

It supports your local economy. Money spent at local farms stays in the community. You are supporting families, creating local jobs, and strengthening the regional food system.

It often tastes better. Animals raised on pasture with proper nutrition and low stress produce meat with better flavor and texture. Once you taste the difference, it is hard to go back.

Where to Find Local Meat

Direct from farms. This is the best way to buy local meat. Many farms in Western Pennsylvania sell beef, pork, and other meats directly to consumers. You can typically buy in bulk (quarter, half, or whole animals) for the best value, or some farms offer individual cuts and farm stores.

At Deer Run Acres in Edinboro, we sell 100% grass-fed beef and pasture-raised non-GMO pork by the quarter, half, or whole animal. We serve families across Erie, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, and surrounding areas.

Farmer's markets. Markets across the region feature local meat vendors. The Erie County farmer's markets, the Pittsburgh Strip District markets, and many seasonal markets are great places to find local producers.

Farm stands and stores. Some farms have on-site stores or roadside stands where you can pick up products. At Deer Run Acres, we have a roadside farm stand at 6823 Old State Rd in Edinboro where you can pick up pasture-raised eggs anytime.

Online ordering with local delivery. More farms now offer online ordering with local delivery options. At Deer Run Acres, we deliver across the region on the 1st and 3rd weekends of each month.

What to Look for When Buying Local Meat

Not all local meat is the same. Here are some things to consider:

Ask about farming practices. Are the animals raised on pasture? Are they given antibiotics or hormones? What do they eat? The answers to these questions tell you a lot about the quality of the meat.

Understand pricing. Buying bulk beef or pork by the hanging weight is the most economical way to stock your freezer. The per-pound price is typically much lower than buying individual cuts at retail. Factor in butcher costs, which are usually separate.

Ask about the butcher. Local, state-inspected butcher shops ensure quality processing. You should be able to customize your cuts — choosing steak thickness, how much ground beef you want, whether you want bone-in or boneless, and more.

Check for delivery or pickup options. Some farms offer delivery to your area, while others require pickup at the farm or butcher. Find what works best for your situation.

Making the Most of Your Purchase

If you are buying in bulk for the first time, invest in a chest freezer. A standard 7-cubic-foot freezer can hold a quarter beef, and the upfront investment pays for itself quickly with the savings on per-pound pricing.

Learn to cook with the full range of cuts. A bulk beef order includes premium steaks, but also roasts, stew meat, and ground beef. Learning to use every cut means delicious meals and zero waste.

We are always happy to help families new to buying local meat. Contact Deer Run Acres to learn more about our products or to place your order.