The Smith family of Barbed J Beef joined our market a few months ago and we were very excited to learn more about their ranch in the Verde Valley. We sat down with Jennifer Smith to get all the details.
PFM- How long have you lived in the area?
BJB- I have lived in Arizona my entire life. Our roots are here!
What is your top selling product?
Our Tenderloin, Rib-Eye and Ground Beef are always in high demand. We keep a good rotation going so we usually have plenty of natural beef on hand to sell.
How would you describe your beef to someone who has never tried it before? How does it differ from store bought beef?
I would describe it as a product that you absolutely have to taste to believe. Beef raised ethically and naturally on irrigated pastures, hormone free, raised without antibiotic feed is 100% different than anything found at a grocery store!
What is special about your business?
Our business is family run. Every member of our family has their own unique job that they specialize in and enjoy. From raising the calves, to irrigating the fields, to running the booth at the farmers markets and distribution of our beef, everyone has a role!
Do you have a “fun fact” about Barbed J Beef?
It’s no secret, we truly love what we do! We provide our cattle with the absolute best life we can. We love our cows from the very moment they hit the ground. They are our main priority.
Another “fun fact” is we have a cow who consistently produces twins. Recently, I was able to get this great photo of both calves feeding from her. How often do you see something like that!
How do you get ready for the market?
We have to get up early to load the farmers market bags and ice chests and hit the road. It takes us about 60 to 90 minutes to get to the market from the ranch in Camp Verde. It’s a good thing that we are used to getting up early!
What are your plans for the future?
Grow our family and our business while educating people about natural beef. Stay tuned, we may even begin to bring prepared food featuring our beef products to the market!
Do you vend at other markets? Which one(s)? Yes! Besides PFM, we vend at Camp Verde, Sedona, Flagstaff, Cornville and Munds Park markets. We are excited to attend both the Chino Valley market and the Downtown Midweek market and see our PFM customers a lot more this summer!
Why is supporting local agriculture and business important to you?
Local agriculture is important to us because it’s what drives our community. It grows and shapes all of us, even if you purchase the majority of your products from a grocery chain. There are always locals in the community who give 110% on a product they truly believe in. Our family believes in supporting them because they give us their all. It’s the least we can do, and we are so grateful for those that in turn do the same for us.
What is your favorite product to buy from another PFM vendor?
Olive’s Sunset Creations, Wingfield Bread Company, two bites bakery, and Blooming Reed Farm carry some of my favorite products. I truly do most, if not all, of my grocery shopping, at a farmers market.
What is your favorite market memory?
There are too many to pick just one favorite memory. Markets are a true delight and we look forward to serving more new customers in Prescott!
How else can customers find you?
We are on Facebook and you can always reach us at (928) 821-3249 to ask a question or place a special order. Thanks, PFM customers, we will see you at the market!
We will just leave this cutie right here!
