Location & Contact Information:
Client: Timberline Meats, LLC Location: Dundee, NY Contact: 607-243-5581 Type: USDA FSIS Inspected Slaughterhouse (beef, pork, lamb & goat) and Smokehouse Owners: Vernon & Carolyn Stauffer Community: Mennonite
Background
Vernon Stauffer, the managing member of Timberline Meats, LLC, grew up in the poultry business in Pennsylvania and later operated his own poultry processing plant for three years. Driven by a desire to expand, Vernon exceeded the USDA FSIS exemption of 20,000 birds and sought opportunities to scale his business further.
In June 2021, he and his family purchased Shirk Meats, a USDA-certified federal slaughterhouse in Dundee, NY. During this expansion, Vernon obtained refrigeration and electrical licenses, strengthening his expertise in meat processing. Shirk Meats had been an AgriForaging Food Safety client since 2015, which allowed for a seamless transition of operations into what is now known as Timberline Meats.
Business Overview
Located near Penn Yan in New York’s picturesque Finger Lakes region, Timberline Meats, LLC is known for its high-quality, locally sourced meats. Their product offerings range from prime cuts to sausages and smoked meats, all produced with family-oriented values and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Timberline Meats’ reputation for delivering fresh and frozen meats that cater to families’ needs has made them a go-to provider in the local community.
The Challenge: USDA FSIS Compliance
When the Stauffers acquired Shirk Meats, the expansion came with regulatory and operational challenges. The shift from a small poultry operation to a USDA inspected slaughterhouse and smokehouse demanded rigorous USDA FSIS compliance, updated facility design, and operational adjustments. Additionally, ensuring USDA FSIS Ready-to-Eat (RTE) inspection for the smokehouse was a critical objective. Vernon’s poultry slaughter experience needed to be integrated into the new operation's workflow to optimize efficiency and production quality.
AgriForaging Food Safety’s Role
AgriForaging Food Safety played a key role in supporting Timberline Meats, LLC through the following services:
HACCP Plan Audit and Reassessment: AgriForaging conducted a thorough audit of Timberline’s existing HACCP plan and provided reassessment services to ensure full USDA FSIS compliance.
USDA FSIS RTE Smokehouse Design Guidance and Building Recommendations: As Timberline Meats, LLC expanded into smokehouse operations, AgriForaging provided critical design and infrastructure guidance to ensure the facility met federal safety requirements.
USDA FSIS Labeling Compliance: AgriForaging guided Timberline Meats, LLC in achieving correct labeling to ensure all meat products complied with FSIS standards.
Navigating USDA FSIS Communication: AgriForaging facilitated the smokehouse’s federal inspection and approval process, helping Vernon and his team work effectively with USDA FSIS Inspection personnel.
Expansion of Smokehouse HACCP Plan Categories: The introduction of new process categories for the expanded smokehouse operation required close collaboration with AgriForaging to maintain compliance across all cured and uncured smoked products.
Ongoing Compliance Support: AgriForaging continues to provide ongoing support to Timberline Meats, LLC to ensure they stay up-to-date with ever-evolving food safety regulations.
Results
With the expertise of AgriForaging Food Safety, Timberline Meats, LLC has successfully transitioned into a USDA FSIS inspected federal slaughterhouse and smokehouse. This family-owned business now serves the Finger Lakes region, offering premium, locally sourced meats that meet stringent USDA standards. By integrating smokehouse operations and a dedicated team of skilled butchers, Timberline Meats, LLC has established itself as a trusted provider of fresh and frozen meats, consistently fulfilling the needs of families in the area.
This collaboration highlights AgriForaging Food Safety’s ability to guide food businesses through complex regulatory landscapes while ensuring operational success.
For more information on how AgriForaging can assist your business in achieving similar success, please contact us today.
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