Carving Out Your Niche: Innovation in the Meat Industry | Sierra Jepsen
Connecting Agriculture with Audiences Through Media and Communication
Sierra Jepsen’s journey through meat science and entrepreneurship highlights the importance of passion, adaptability, and seizing opportunities, even when they arise from unexpected places. Growing up on a beef cattle farm in Ohio, Sierra always knew she wanted to stay involved in the agriculture industry. However, her path took a unique turn when she discovered meat science during her senior year at Ohio State University—thanks to a scheduling mistake that ultimately led her to her true calling. That "happy mistake" set Sierra on a course that would eventually lead to the creation of her own business, Butcher Solutions, where she now provides hands-on butcher training and meat science education to individuals and businesses across the country.
While pursuing an agriculture business degree, Sierra never imagined she would end up working in meat science. Her initial goal was to be involved in the beef cattle industry, but after a deep dive into meat science, everything clicked. Sierra’s passion for meat science came alive in her very first class, where she discovered the perfect way to connect livestock producers with consumers—through butchery. The hands-on work, the science behind meat, and the ability to bridge the gap between the farmer and the consumer inspired Sierra to pursue her master's degree and coaching roles with collegiate meat judging teams. This foundational experience in both meat science and education led her to the idea of creating Butcher Solutions, a traveling butcher school that aims to meet the growing need for skilled butchers and meat processors across the United States.
Butcher Solutions offers a unique approach to butchery education, meeting people where they are. From backyard butchers who want to learn how to harvest their own cattle to large meat processing facilities looking to train their workforce, Sierra’s training services are tailored to the specific needs of each client. What sets Butcher Solutions apart is the emphasis on providing practical, hands-on training in existing facilities, whether they are old or new, and minimizing production downtime so businesses don’t have to pause their operations for training. Sierra works with everyone from small, local butcher shops to large facilities, helping them streamline their processes, improve efficiency, and deliver high-quality meat products to their communities.
“We are the link between the farm and the consumer, and it’s really important to make sure that we are providing a quality product that people can trust.”
Sierra’s work is not just about teaching people how to break down carcasses—it's about educating livestock producers on the entire meat production process. From helping producers understand how to create branded meat programs to offering insight into distribution and packaging, Sierra helps her clients make informed decisions that can benefit both their businesses and the consumers they serve. Her goal is to empower producers to ask the right questions about their meat products, to understand the science behind their animals’ transformation into cuts of meat, and to navigate the complex landscape of selling direct to consumers.
One of the key drivers behind Sierra’s business is the labor shortage in the meat industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many small-scale meat processors struggled to retain skilled labor, prompting Sierra to step in and help. By training the next generation of butchers and offering guidance on how to build a skilled team, Sierra aims to fill the gaps left by this shortage and support local meat processors in delivering quality products to consumers. She also works with tribal communities to help them implement sustainable meat processing systems for wild game and bison, ensuring access to locally produced meats in underserved communities.
Sierra’s journey is a testament to the value of following your passions, embracing entrepreneurship, and constantly learning. For those interested in meat science, butchery, or any aspect of the meat industry, Sierra encourages young people to explore their options and understand that there is a place for them. The meat science field offers endless opportunities, whether it’s in butchery, product development, packaging technology, or even education. As the demand for locally sourced, sustainably raised meats continues to grow, the need for skilled butchers and meat scientists will only increase.
Through Butcher Solutions, Sierra is not only educating the next generation of butchers but is also helping to ensure that the agricultural industry continues to thrive. She is a shining example of how entrepreneurship can fill gaps in the industry, create new opportunities, and elevate the work of those behind the scenes.
https://butchersolutionsllc.com/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/butcher_solutions_llc/
https://www.butchersofamerica.org/
