There are certain things we rely on, because we know they will always be true. Family and community bind us, but we are bound also to the land. It gives us a home and provides for our families. The farmers and producers at Landcrafted Food are dedicated to sustaining and serving our farms and community, by producing foods that are as good for the land as they are for the people who enjoy them.
our story
Our philosophy
grayson co, va
There are certain things we rely on, because we know they will always be true. Family and community bind us, but we are bound also to the land. It gives us a home and provides for our families. The farmers and producers at Landcrafted Food are dedicated to sustaining and serving our farms and community, by producing foods that are as good for the land as they are for the people who enjoy them.
our story
Grayson County farmland has been in Gary Mitchells family for seven generations. An entrepreneurial spirit, and a dedication to farm preservation and animal husbandry, runs deep. At thirteen years old, Garys daughter Mary borrowed money to purchase cows for her school 4H project. Lucas, Garys son, took on a three-year loan to buy his first five cows. Through a family effort, the Mitchells have created a mindful, thriving farm business that provides them the opportunity to produce wholesome, grass-fed beef for our customers.
Just over the hill, Charlotte Hanes purchased her farm twenty-five years ago, with the vision of creating a model of local sustainability for the surrounding community. In 2007, the Ivey family, Brantley and Whitney, joined forces with Charlotte to build a scalable, yet ecologically sustainable enterprise. While the Iveys have only been in Grayson County for a short time, they are excited to raise their kids on the farm, as they help Landcrafted Food build for the future.
In 2017 we finished construction and opened our own smokehouse and production facility, here in Independence, VA. With our combined efforts in grass-fed cattle farming now established, Landcrafted Food is setting its sights on becoming the only national brand of grass-fed meat snacks that both raises cattle and manufactures its own products. We are not a cleverly marketed outsourcing gimmick. Our people have a vision (and most importantly, a plan) to connect customers to the farms in and around Grayson County, VA. Thanks for being here.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Landcrafted Food is made up of a group of pioneering farmers for the 21st century. We are:
Community first
Our business is independently owned and operated. We are on a mission to bring economic sustainability back to family farmers in our region, through the development and distribution of quality foods.
Always wholesome
Our products are made from responsibly-sourced ingredients, including grass-fed beef that is raised humanely, on our small consortium of farms. We never use added hormones or antibiotics, and our products are gluten-free and GMO-free.
Leaving a legacy
Stewardship of our farmland and the rural lifestyle is a multi-generational promise that our children and grandchildren will inherit. Good food comes from good land, and this natural connection dictates our approach to farming, animal husbandry and business.
GRAYSON COUNTY, VA
Grayson County, located in the southwestern part of Virginia, is one of the most pristine and isolated geographic regions in the eastern United States. Founded in 1783, the county was named after William Grayson, a delegate to the Continental Congress and one of the first U.S. Senators from the state of Virginia.
For those who live here (and there are only around 15,000 of us) we know how special this place is (and yes, there are more cattle than people). Grayson is home to the highest peak in Virginia (Mount Rogers) and the New River and Jefferson National Forest both run through our county. The area has a rich history of agricultural production, especially in beef cattle.
At Landcrafted Food, we proudly carry on a farming legacy stretching back to the early days of American history. We believe our hometown of Independence, VA is appropriately named. We are stubbornly real and farmer owned.
Our partners
We are a community of farmers and producers who share a pioneering mindset. Channeling the strength and vision of the settlers who first cultivated our land, we know our role in creating the future of agriculture and food depends on the care and craft we put into our work, every day.
GARY MITCHELL
MANAGING PARTNER / FARMER
BRANTLEY IVEY
MANAGING PARTNER / FARMER
GARY MITCHELL
Managing Partner / Farmer
Years at company?
All of them. We began brainstorming about ways to create some economic sustainability for our farms back in 2006. I committed to run the business full-time in June of 2008.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
Virginia Tech. I did Animal Science first, then Civil Engineering.
Years in the agriculture and food business?
My entire life since twelve years old, other than college years and 4 years as a Civil Engineer with Norfolk Southern Railway in Atlanta.
Describe a typical day at work.
Leave my farm for the office to check on the business end of things, which is now being handled a lot by Jenna. Most of my time is in keeping up with facility and operations with Brantley, Chris, and Mitchell, and of course sales and marketing.
What has been the most personally satisfying thing you’ve worked on so far?
There have been many milestones and setbacks. Showing my children the resilience, creativity, and determination required to create a new business has been satisfying. They have seen my steady stubbornness start to pay off. It takes about ten years to be an overnight success.
What is your personal motto when it comes to food and farming?
Quality instead of quantity.
Are you involved in any causes or charities in the local community? If so, what do you do?
I have coached high school football and many recreation league teams. Both basketball and football. I’m involved in charity activities through my church, providing prepared meals to those in need, and backpacks for school children.
What inspires you?
Creating something new with other people.
How do you like to spend your free time?
With family, especially on the farm.
Describe the best meal you’ve ever had. Who was there? Was it a special occasion with family or a random find while traveling?
Simple impromptu meals with family and close friends on my porch.
Favorite cut / preparation of grass-fed beef?
Sirloin steak cooked medium rare… or Mema’s meatloaf.
Original or sweet smoked sticks?
Sweet.
Besides Grayson County VA, where is your favorite place in the world? And what would you be doing if you were there?
This sounds corny, but if I were living anywhere else, I’d wish I were back at home in Grayson County.
BRANTLEY IVEY
Managing Partner / Farmer
Years at company?
10.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
University of Florida – B.S. Animal Science, University of Florida – M.S. Extension Education.
Years in the agriculture and food business?
Most all of them.
Describe a typical day at work.
Very unpredictable, mostly challenging and always fun.
What has been the most personally satisfying thing you’ve worked on so far?
Being a part of the whole thing. From cattle management, to handing out samples in the early days trying to drum up a little business, to seeing the construction of our new facility, to making the best relationships with my colleagues.
What is your personal motto when it comes to food and farming?
Let’s do it right because I am feeding this to my children too.
Are you involved in any causes or charities in the local community? If so, what do you do?
Supporting the local athletic programs. I tried to volunteer as a coach but come to find out, it’s not in my wheelhouse.
What inspires you?
My wife (and her relentless pursuit of my imperfections).
How do you like to spend your free time?
Fishing.
Describe the best meal you’ve ever had. Who was there? Was it a special occasion with family or a random find while traveling?
Barefooted in the Anegada sand under beautiful stars, eating fresh caught lobster with a cold beer, with my wife and friends.
Favorite cut / preparation of grass-fed beef?
Easy: braised short ribs.
Original or sweet smoked sticks?
Both.
Besides Grayson County VA, where is your favorite place in the world? And what would you be doing if you were there?
The Caribbean. Who knows.
why grassfed?
At Landcrafted Food, our cattle are born and raised in the mountain pastures surrounding Grayson County, Virginia. Here are the essential features and benefits of our beef:
► 100% grass-fed (no-grain feeding or animal by-products)
► Traceable to the farm
► Humane certifications by Global Animal Partnership
► No antibiotics or hormones
► Lower in saturated fat and cholesterol
► Higher in Omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acids and antioxidants
There is a lot of independent literature that points to the benefits of consuming products from grass-fed cattle, compared to conventional grain-finished cattle.We assume that, because you are here, you have read some of the thousands of articles available online. But if not, here are a couple we will point you to:
mayoclinic.org
eatwild.com
Our prOducts
Our cattle are born and raised on sustainable family farms, in and around Grayson County, Virginia. We are firm believers that returning to the simplest, most traditional animal husbandry and processing methods yields the best tasting, most healthy foods, just like folks enjoyed generations ago.
For Fresh or Frozen Wholesale Beef Inquires call 276-773-3712
Landcrafted Food beef sticks are:
- 100% grass-fed
- Made with organic cane sugar and sea salt
- No added hormones or antibiotics
- No MSG or nitrates
- Less than 1⁄2 the fat of conventional sticks
- Gluten-free
- Keto-friendly
wholesale
Products from Landcrafted Food are available internationally, to wholesale buyers including grocery retailers, distributors, restaurants, and institutional foodservice. We supply customers ranging from small local convenience stores to large grocery chains, restaurants, and universities with USDA-inspected all natural, fresh grass-fed beef and shelf stable RTE meat snacks, and can effectively scale production to meet most customers needs, with a guarantee of consistency, quality, and flexibility.
Our team is committed to producing the highest quality and best tasting beef snacks in the world. Our USDA-inspected facility will complete third-party food safety certifications, in order to achieve approved vendor status for our customers. We will undergo audits required by national foodservice providers, as well as supplementary certifications for food safety and quality assurance, as required by international distributors to universities and other institutions.
Contact us and find out how Landcrafted Food can meet your needs in the growing grass-fed beef and meat snacks categories.
contact us
(276) 773-3712
sales@landcraftedfOOd.cOm