The Smith County Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome The Grazing Cow as Smith County Chamber Members. The Grazing Cow, owned by Melissa and Rickie Locke, offers farm-fresh beef, and pork to the community, all USDA approved and carefully raised without the use of hormones or steroids.
What started as a small operation to supply their family and friends with fresh, local meat during the pandemic has grown offering packaged cuts of meat directly to customers. The Grazing Cow now operates with a retail meat permit allowing them to expand its offerings to include more product choices.
Melissa and Rickie’s journey began in 2016, when they moved to Smith County and started with a small herd of 15-20 cattle. What followed was a passionate commitment to the cattle industry, and they’ve since grown their herd to around 140-160 head of cattle. In addition to running The Grazing Cow, Melissa works full-time in the staffing industry but says her favorite part of the day is unwinding with her cattle after a busy workday. Melissa developed a love for farming and found peace in the rhythms of rural life—whether it’s walking the fields with the calves or working with their community.
When customers visit The Grazing Cow, they see the farm and can expect more than just a simple meat purchase. Melissa and Rickie will answer questions about their products, and how the animals are raised. Customers can view the various cuts of meat, see how it’s packaged, and gain insight into the farm’s practices.
“We want people to feel confident in what they’re buying,” says Melissa “I want people to know exactly where their meat is coming from and that it’s something they can feel good about feeding their families.”
In addition to fresh meat, The Grazing Cow also offers Tallow Face & Lotion made from beef fat, a nourishing, all-natural skincare product that’s free from chemicals and packed with nutrients.
The Grazing Cow and the Lockes have big plans for the future. They’re working toward expanding their offerings with monthly subscription boxes, shipping their fresh meats nationwide, and adding even more products to their shop.
“We want to make it easier for people to access high-quality, locally raised meat,” says Melissa. “Our goal is to serve our community and beyond, bringing a little bit of the farm to everyone.”
The Grazing Cow is open Friday from 1 PM to 5 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM. If you’re looking to visit during the week, you can call or text Melissa at 615-670-0199 to schedule an appointment.
To learn more about The Grazing Cow or to place an order, visit www.thegrazingcow.net.
From fresh, locally-raised meats to all-natural skincare, The Grazing Cow is committed to providing top-quality products that support the health of both families and the local farming community. Visit today and experience the difference for yourself!
