Browse & Grass Farmer Association

Shepherd Song is the brand name for lamb and goat meat products developed and distributed by Browse & Grass Farmers Assoc. The label is USDA approved for claims that include: All-Natural, Pasture Raised, Never Confined, zabiah slaughtered, halal goat and lamb products marketed to the growing number of consumers that value these attributes. Of special interest is the emerging demand for all-natural, premium, zabiah slaughtered, halal certified meat products which serves the religious requirements of our local Muslim communities. The producer group raise lambs and goats in accordance to prescribed methods and standards ( link to pdf) . Partially funded by a USDA Producer Working Capital grant, 2006-2007.

Safari Cuisine and Grocery
531 E LaSalle Ave
Barron, WI 54812
715.475.9474

This project focused on connecting the local Somali refugees with local livestock producers in a mutually beneficial enterprise that provided Halal-certified meat to the refugee community in Barron, WI. The producer network was expanded and the infrastructure developed to direct market this value-added product. Community-based marketing methods were used to decrease the cost and risk of direct marketing and provide ongoing immediate feedback concerning quality and consumer preferences. Business and marketing support was provided to the family owned and managed Somali restaurant and grocery as part of the project as it serves as the community hub. Partially funded by a USDA Farmer Market Promotion grant, 2006-2007.

823 Main Street
Boyceville, WI 54725
715.861.4823
info@spiritofhumane.com
www.spiritofhumane.com

Spirit of Humane is committed to the development and commercial distribution of humane slaughter systems for small-scale operations. The products are appropriate for custom slaughter or zabiah slaughtered meat. In recent years, consumers around the world have become concerned with animal welfare, both on the farm and at the time of slaughter. For those of us raising pastured animals, the lack of humane slaughter facilities to properly complete the process for our special animals is very apparent. With few options for humane slaughter, we were forced to develop our own equipment. Thankfully, we were able to work with professors Temple Grandin of Colorado State University and Joe M. Regenstein of Cornell University to design a low-cost restraint system that realizes the goal of humane slaughter. Partially funded by a North Central Region SARE grant, 2006-2007; and a WI Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection Added-Value grant, 2005-2006.

Dunn County Economic Development and Support
401 Technology Dr. E. Suite 400
Menomonie, WI 54751
715.232.4009

Browse & Grass Farmer Association’s newest project is a unique and innovative collaboration between the Somali refugee community in Barron, Wisconsin, local producers and business and job creation specialists. The Somali Community Corporation of Barron, WI, has been working with the Dunn County Economic Development Corporation and the Browse & Grass Farmers Association (BFG) over the last three years on developing an infrastructure between local producers and the new Somali refugees to serve not only the halal food and entrepreneurial employment needs of the rapidly growing immigrant community but also to provide a sustainable authentic, ethnic alternatives for the high end specialty food market searching for new food options. The Quran commands that Muslims eat both halal and tayyib. This project addresses the needs of the local ethnic community, the producers and the diverse consumers of certified foods. Partially funded by a USDA Community Food Security grant, 2007-2010.