Where To Buy Local Meat In New Hampshire's Seacoast Region

With recall after recall making headlines and leaving us questioning what’s actually safe to put on our plates, it’s understandable to want to know a little more about where our food comes from. I’ve always been a big supporter of shopping small and supporting local businesses, and this feels like the perfect time to put that support into action.

If you’re looking to get more locally raised meat on your dinner table, you don’t have to go far! From family farms raising their own animals to local butcher shops stocking meat from area producers, there are some great options right here in our community.

So, before you make your next grocery store run, you might want to check out what’s being raised and sold right in your own backyard!

Here are 9 places locals recommend in and around the Seacoast for locally sourced meat:
1. Great Bay Farm in Greenland, NH
This farm received multiple shout-outs from locals... "The freezers at Great Bay Farm are fully stocked with all your favorite cuts of beef. From steaks and ground beef to cuts that make a great slow cooker meal like stew, pot roast or short ribs."

2. Vernon Family Farm in Newfields, NH
Several people recommended Vernon Family Farm, with one person saying their family purchased a half cow and loved it. Vernon Family Farm said, "We sell a variety of our own nonGMO, pastured chicken, pork, lamb, and grass-fed beef plus a variety of other pastured meats, dairy, eggs, fruit, vegetables, dry goods, cold goods, prepared and frozen foods, and much more."

3. Pinewoods Yankee Farm in Lee, NH
Another local favorite, with residents recommending the farm for locally raised meat. According to their website, "We’re a family farm in Lee, New Hampshire, raising Belted Galloway cattle on pasture and winter-stored grasses, and growing cut flowers in season."

4. Brandmoore Farm in Rollinsford, NH
This Rollinsford farm was also recommended by multiple locals. According to their website, "The entire farm is approximately 400 acres, including the forested areas. We raise cows, pigs, chickens, and grow 2 acres of organic vegetables. We are proud to offer fresh milk from the farm, from our herd of Jersey cows. On the farm, we process the organic milk in our Cheesery and turn the whole, organic milk into yogurt and cheese with attention to flavor, consistency and quality."

5. Bardo Farm in Croydon, NH
One customer said the family farm raises cattle and pigs on pasture and offers quarter and half animals, with delivery available. According to their website, "Happy animals, sustainably raised! Welcome to Bardo Farm, a sustainable farm founded in 2007 by Neil and Emily Smith."

6. Top of the Hill Farm in Wolfeboro, NH
Another recommendation came from a local who suggested checking out this Wolfeboro farm. "You can buy single purchases of meat or a partial cow", she said. "And they have various other items in their store from other farmers including eggs, vegetables, milk, cheeses, ice cream, etc"

7. Tendercrop in Dover, NH (And other locations in Newbury, MA & Wenham, MA)
Locals have raved about Tendercrop. According to their website, they believe "By supporting local farms you are receiving the freshest possible produce, meats, and poultry products, and you are reducing the use of fossil fuels which protects the environment while helping to preserve open spaces and supporting your local economy. Purchasing products from local farmers also protects farmland from becoming developed."

8. Carl's Meat Market in Kittery, ME
According to their website, "Carl's Meat Market has been selling fine meats and poultry products to the local community for over 75 years."

9. Heron Pond Farm in South Hampton
According to a local, "they have a variety of CSA options that do include local fish as well as fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, PYO berries in season and all REAL food."

Of course, availability can change depending on the season and what's currently being raised or processed, so it's a good idea to check with each farm or shop before making a trip.

But if you've been wanting to buy local, it looks like your neighbors have plenty of places to start!