Meet Our Producers
Doug and Lori Brook (Woodmere Cattle Company)
All his life, Doug Brook has raised cattle. He took over his family’s ranch, Woodmere Cattle Company, in 1992. Since then, he and his wife Lori have expanded the ranch to 1,800 acres, supporting 225 head of cattle.
Traditionally, cow-calf operations such as the Brooks’ raise calves from birth to weaning then ship them to Vanderhoof where they’re sold at auction to a stocker or feedlot. But this fall, Doug and Lori are for the first time finishing their own cattle to be direct marketed to the Sausage Factory.
“That’s the nice thing about the Co-op,” Doug says, “We’ve already sold five animals to Fred at the Sausage Factory and we’ve got ten more we’re finishing for him this fall.
Lori adds, “There’s a real demand for local meat. Customers want to buy a product and know where it comes from. Fred tells us that people will walk in and if there isn’t anything local in the cooler they just say they’ll come back next week. Feedback like that really makes it worthwhile.”
The Co-op’s abattoir has opened up new opportunities for local producers, who are adding value by finishing and delivering their meat to restaurants, camps and even retail storefronts. They are getting a better price for their beef and saving on transportation costs.
Ranching can be a bittersweet life at the mercy of nature and increasing production costs. There’s no guarantee of profit. For Doug and Lori Brook and other northwest ranchers, the Co-op is providing options and leveling the playing field.
Bulkley Valley beef is available at the Smithers Sausage Factory as well as the Northwest Premium Meat Co-op, stop by either storefront and enjoy quality meat from close to home.