Farmers’ Gate Market is a farmer owned butcher shop that works with about a dozen Maine farms. Every partner farm has to meet the same standards: pasture based farming, respectful treatment of animals, sustainable practices, and good, honest people running it.

What sets them apart is old school whole animal butchery. Their butchers break down entire carcasses in house, which means they know exactly where every cut came from, and they can offer the less common cuts that most grocery stores never carry.

Our tip: If you have freezer space, buying a side of beef or a whole hog is the most affordable way to eat high quality, local meat all year. The meat subscription is a good middle ground if you don’t.