From Pasture to Plate: Our Visit to Mim’s Farm in Clayton, NC
At Bellow Butcher Co., one of our founding commitments is knowing — truly knowing — where our food comes from. For us, that doesn’t mean just ordering cuts of beef off a commodity truck or choosing faceless suppliers. It means building real relationships with farmers, walking their land, meeting their families, and seeing firsthand how their animals live. That’s exactly why Chris and I recently drove out to Mim’s Farm in Clayton, North Carolina — the family-run farm that will be the sole source of all our North Carolina beef.
Meeting the Mims Family
Mim’s Farm is a small, seven-head cattle operation tucked into the rolling green of Clayton, NC. When we pulled up, we were greeted not just by owner Allie Mims, but by his family and their two friendly dogs, who made sure we felt welcome from the start. Allie walked us through his pastures, pointing out how each field is at a different stage of growth. The cows graze one section at a time, and once they’ve taken what they need, the herd is rotated to a fresh pasture, leaving the grass to regrow. This simple but effective system helps keep the land healthy, the cows nourished, and the cycle sustainable.
Cows Raised with Care
The Mims family raises their cattle with an emphasis on grass-fed practices, while also supplementing with a carefully balanced mix of grain, timothy hay, and molasses. The molasses acts as a binder — and as we quickly learned, the cows really love it. Watching the herd move with calmness and contentment made it clear that these animals aren’t treated as numbers or commodities. They’re given space, time, and care.
What struck us most is how small-scale and intentional this farm truly is. In a world where beef is often raised in massive feedlots, it feels rare and special to be able to say: all of our North Carolina beef comes from one family farm, right here in our backyard.
Why Local Matters
Being a butcher shop in Wendell, NC, just twenty minutes from Raleigh, we’re lucky to be surrounded by farmers who put their heart into what they do. Choosing to work with a small operation like Mim’s Farm isn’t just a business decision; it’s a reflection of our values.
When you know your farmer, you know your food. You know that your steak didn’t travel halfway across the country on a truck, losing freshness along the way. You know that your burger was raised in the open air of Johnston County, with honest farming practices rooted in respect for both animal and land. And you know that every dollar spent supports a family down the road instead of a corporation states away.
Of course, not every cut we’ll sell will be from North Carolina cattle. We’ll still carry some commodity beef from trusted, reputable sources to round out our selection and keep prices accessible. But when it comes to local NC beef, every single pound you’ll find in our case comes directly from Mim’s Farm. That’s a distinction we’re proud to stand behind.
Respecting the Process
As butchers, we don’t shy away from the reality that raising cattle means eventually butchering them. It’s the part that can feel heavy — and it should. But when animals are treated with dignity in life, cared for by farmers who know them, and processed by hands who honor their work, the end result is something we can all feel good about.
This isn’t about pretending meat doesn’t come from animals. It’s about practicing ethical butchery, acknowledging the life that was given, and making sure that every cut is treated with the respect it deserves. For us, that means sourcing locally, minimizing waste, and helping customers connect with the stories behind their food.
The Beauty of the Farm
Walking the pastures at Mim’s Farm, we couldn’t help but take in the beauty of it all — the way the sunlight hit the tall grass, the dogs weaving between us as if they owned the place, the quiet rhythm of the herd moving slowly across the field. These are the images that stay with you, the moments that make you pause and feel grateful.
This is the difference between commodity beef and pasture-raised North Carolina beef. It’s not just about flavor — though we promise you’ll taste it — it’s about connection. Every ribeye, every roast, every pound of ground beef we’ll sell at Bellow Butcher Co. carries with it the story of the Mims family, their land, and their herd.
Building a Better Food System
We believe that small decisions add up to big change. By choosing to partner exclusively with Mim’s Farm for our North Carolina beef, we’re saying “no” to anonymous supply chains and “yes” to transparency, sustainability, and community. We’re keeping dollars in Clayton, Wendell, and Johnston County. We’re cutting down on transportation, reducing environmental impact, and supporting regenerative farming practices.
And maybe most importantly, we’re helping our customers reconnect with the food on their plate. In today’s world, it’s easy to forget that meat doesn’t just appear in a package at the grocery store. It comes from an animal, a pasture, a farmer, a place. By sourcing locally, we bring all of that back into focus.
Looking Ahead
As we open our doors in Wendell, our partnership with Mim’s Farm will be at the heart of what we do. When you step into our butcher shop and order a cut of beef, you’re not just buying meat. You’re supporting a North Carolina family farm, contributing to a more sustainable food system, and taking part in a tradition of butchery that honors both animal and farmer.
We’re excited to bring this beef to your tables — not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s meaningful. Every bite will carry with it the story of Mim’s Farm, the Mims family, and the values that drive us at Bellow Butcher Co.
