True West Beef LLC

True West Beef LLC operates a cattle slaughter and meat processing plant at 6026 US Highway 93 in Jerome, Idaho, in Jerome County. The establishment holds USDA FSIS establishment number M268 with a grant of inspection date on file of August 29, 2023, and reports both meat slaughter and meat processing activities. FSIS classifies the plant as small in size class, with cattle as the only species slaughtered under inspection and a slaughter volume category of 4.0. No custom-exempt activity is reported to FSIS.

The company describes itself as rancher and producer owned, representing more than 50 independent ranching families across the American West, including operations in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon and Nevada. Agri Beef, described on the site as family-owned and operated since 1968, is named as managing partner. The website states the Jerome facility opened in 2023 and covers 352,000 square feet, and that Jerome was chosen for its proximity to producer partners and western markets. The site describes cattle as grass fed and grain finished, and lists USDA Choice and Select graded beef along with a STAR Commitment covering sustainability, total quality, animal well-being and responsible business.

Double R Ranch Northwest Beef, described as a signature brand of Agri Beef, is also processed at the True West Beef facility. The website says Double R Ranch beef is hand-selected for USDA Choice and higher marbling, that the Signature program was the first in the United States certified as top one third Choice, and that a USDA Prime program is also offered. True West Beef and Double R Ranch beef are described as available at retailers and restaurants nationally and internationally, including locations in the Magic Valley. The site offers forms for retail and foodservice inquiries, general inquiries, donation requests and facility tour requests.

The plant reports cattle slaughter and meat processing to FSIS and no custom-exempt activity, so there is no indication in the sources that it takes in individual animals for cut and wrap returned to the owner. Cattle supply is described on the website as coming from a partner network of more than 50 independent ranching families across Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Nevada and elsewhere, whose families are described as vested in the brand. Booking procedures, fees, minimums and how a rancher would become a producer partner are not stated in the sources. The plant office line is (208) 933-9000 and a general inquiry form is offered on the website.

True West Beef LLC operates under a federal grant of inspection, so product from this plant can be sold anywhere in the United States, which matters if you sell online or across a state line. FSIS does not list a custom-exempt activity for this plant.

The sources do not describe a retail counter at the plant, halves or quarters, freezer bundles, delivery, shipping or online ordering. The website states that True West Beef and Double R Ranch beef can be found at retailers and restaurants nationally and internationally, and lists Magic Valley restaurant and retail locations. Households would buy through those outlets rather than from the plant as described.

If you are buying a half or quarter animal, the plant is where the animal is processed; the farm sells you the animal. Read how to buy a half cow for the sequence and the math.