Why meat processing is the missing piece in WMass local food puzzle

In Massachusetts Police News

Updated: Nov. 10, 2025, 5:57 a.m.
Published: Nov. 10, 2025, 5:57 a.m.

Kate Stillman, of Stillman Quality Meats in Hardwick, inspects the pigs and boars in their pens at the farm. The farm is erecting a new USDA certified facility that will not only support Stillman Quality Meats but hundreds of farms in the area. Nov. 5, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

HARDWICK – Chicken pot pies sell faster – and for a higher price per pound – than chickens.

Sausage brings in more money per pound than a side of pork. And beef processed into jerky is more profitable by weight than a side of beef.

I write about business for The Republican and have been here since March of 2008. Before coming to The Republican, I was a reporter for The Saratogian in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

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