KGHL Radio recently joined Montana’s Alternative Energy Resources organization (AERO) on a tour that focused on the regenerative leadership of Montana’s newest and largest meat processing plant.
In a two-part tour on October 4, AERO’s ”EXPO 2024” attendees visited the Blue Creek Marbled Meat Company south of Billings, where they observed the remains of the plant’s animal by-products being applied as the very first Seal of Testing (STA) approved compost ever spread on Montana farmland.
Later that same day, AERO members visited the Agri Organics composting facility in Lockwood, where the offal, hides and bones collected from Blue Creek Marbled Meat is transformed into high-quality compost and soil amendments. Agri Organics is owned and operated by the J.B. Farley family, diverting thousands of tons of organic waste each year into valued soil products.
The Blue Creek Marbled Meat Company was opened in July of 2021 by the Spencer Griffin family, and today processes 25 to 30 finished beef per week.
Their high-quality American Wagyu and Angus meat is sold to consumers on-line, as well as in the meat case at Town and Country Foods on on Grand Avenue in Billings. The largest part of their production goes to local restaurants such as Walker’s Grill, T.E.N. at the Northern Hotel, the Granary, Bin 119, Bistro Enzo, BW Blacksmith, and Yellowstone Country Club in Billings, as well as restaurants in Bozeman, Big Sky, Great Falls, and Sheridan, Wyoming. Over 2000 pounds of their ground beef patties are consumed each week on the campus of Montana State in Bozeman.
Committed to renewable energy, stewardship agriculture, and healthy community food systems, AERO is celebrating 50 years since the organization was created in 1974.
Their tours in Billings this week highlighted their support for sustainable Montana communities with reliable local food sources.
###
Photos and story by KGHL Radio
