Contributing nearly $105 billion a year, the agricultural industry plays a large role in Wisconsin’s economy. While we are regarded as “the dairy state,” cheese is not the only driving force behind Wisconsin’s agricultural successes. Join us on a deep dive into Madison’s meat scene.
🔬 Lea(r)n meat
A little under two years ago, a new Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery (MSABD) building opened in downtown Madison. Many of us have seen the shiny new building on Observatory Drive, but what exactly goes on here?
There are around 2,000 acres of farmland in Arlington, WI that the University uses for agricultural research. Meat from these farms + other local suppliers is sourced by MSABD to be processed for consumption.
Since everything takes place under one roof, agriculture students are able to learn the process from start to finish. This educational aspect, which aims to further both human + animal health, is what sets this facility apart from others.
🛒 Chop + shop
In partnership with the program, Bucky’s Varsity Meats is a full-service meat shop that shares a roof with the MSABD building. This student-driven shop showcases the variety of products that are produced, processed, and packaged in-house. BVM provides a unique, holistic, and local approach to meat sales.
🥩 Meat new people
Known as “the meat people,” UW Provisions earned this title by becoming one of the largest meat providers in the Midwest — and “Dane County’s best-kept secret .” Since 1958, this family-owned distributor has supplied local restaurants + grocery stores with top-of-the-line meats and other goodies like cheese, butter, and eggs. Today, you can visit their two retail stores, The Meat Market in Middleton and Local Source Foods in Sun Prairie, to grab some of their prime products.