Copyright International Business Times
For decades, the American meat industry has been shaped by the scale of the larger industry players and packing giants, whose control over pricing and supply has dominated the sphere, often pricing out smaller producers. In that competitive landscape, survival could mean adapting or folding altogether. Yet despite this challenging environment, a new generation of innovators has emerged, one of which is Rosenkrans Natural Meat Company. Founded by Jeff Rosenkrans and Korey Mobilio, it's a brand that has been determined to redefine what sustainability, transparency, and quality can look like in modern meat production. Founded in 2017, Rosenkrans Natural Meat Company is the result of two distinct but complementary passions. Rosenkrans began his journey a decade earlier in 2007, when he set out to farm and raise livestock. His love for farming came from a simple desire to raise healthy animals and produce meat he could vouch for. "Providing healthy, good food for people has ultimately been my sole mission," he reflects. "There's nothing more rewarding than hearing people's feedback about how this is one of the best steaks they've ever had." Mobilio's path was different, rooted in butchery rather than farming. Having grown up in a grocery store owned by his grandparents, he learned the art of cutting meat early and carried that skill throughout his life. When he and Rosenkrans met, the duo felt a partnership was natural. "The farmer and the butcher joining forces to form a business that could control every part of the process seemed about right," Rosenkrans shares. That commitment to doing things "the right way," as Rosenkrans puts it, became the backbone of the company's identity. Navigating how independent farmers often have little control over pricing margins, he focused on building a solution that involved taking charge of every step, to follow the product from farm to butchery to distribution, and ultimately, to the homes of their customers. "From the pastures where animals are raised to the finished cuts delivered to the customers' tables, we're looking over everything," he notes. Today, Rosenkrans works with a select group of small, family-run farms across the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, each chosen for their sustainable and ethical practices. All of their beef and pork are either raised on their own land or sourced from these trusted partners. The company processes whole animals at its facility, a distinction that allows for complete transparency and quality control. In recent years, the company has also invested heavily in technology and infrastructure, expanding its processing capabilities to meet a growing demand for premium, locally sourced meat. Rosenkrans now offers everything from traditional boxed beef to a range of custom grinds and burger portions. Two years ago, the team built a state-of-the-art dry-aging room equipped with forced air and UV lights, which was a major step forward in quality and specialization. They also support regional school systems through farm-to-school programs, providing fresh, nutritious products for children across New York State. "We're expanding fairly quickly, but always within our means," Rosenkrans notes. "We've put a lot into making sure that everything we do, every product, every partnership, meets our standards." And the evolution continues. In the coming months, Rosenkrans aims to launch a home delivery and e-commerce platform, extending its reach beyond its current wholesale and distribution network. Through this, he hopes to bring Rosenkrans Natural Meat Company directly to more homes, bridging the gap between local farming and the modern consumer's table. Through innovation, resilience, and a steadfast belief in doing things the right way, Rosenkrans and Mobilio have proven that even in one of the most competitive industries, there is still room for craftsmanship and for businesses built not on convenience but on conviction and transparency.
