Owner
At EMP since 2022
Ben has spent the past 13 years learning the craft entirely on the job, mastering everything from humane slaughter practices to the delicate art of slow smoking and curing. He takes pride in providing high‑quality service to our local farming and hunting community—treating every animal with respect and ensuring every order meets Elmwood’s taste and safety standards.
Owner
At EMP since 2022
Raised in his dad’s butcher shop, Josh has spent 16 years honing every step of the craft—from precise beef fabrication to day‑to‑day business decisions. As a hands‑on owner, he jumps in wherever the team needs him, ensuring each carcass is handled with skill and every customer leaves satisfied. Josh’s guiding principle is simple: treat the animal with respect and the end product will speak for itself.
Head Cutter
At EMP since 2022
Mark worked his way up from cleaner to floor supervisor, learning every trim, spec, and safety standard on the job. Today he leads the cutting team, double-checking every order and keeping quality exactly where Elmwood customers expect it.
Systems Administrator
At EMP since 2024
Kirkland joined Elmwood Meat Plant two years ago and has learned every skill on the job—from keeping our IT systems humming to jumping in on the packaging line and greeting customers at the front counter. He enjoys making an impact across multiple departments while absorbing something new every day.
R&E Specialist
At EMP since 2021
Jace started at Elmwood in 2022 as a high-school kid from town, washing barrels. He now runs the smoker and day-to-day R&E, and he does the grinding and stuffing. If an order or the retail case has made product, there is a good chance Jace made it. He is known for his smoker abilities and for new recipes — including Jace’s Sweet Heat muscle jerky.
Wrapper
At EMP since 2025
Sierra packages, seals, and stores the cuts from every animal that comes through the plant. She also packs fresh and smoked product and keeps labels and portions right. She is known for detail, speed, and consistency.
Cutter
At EMP since 2023
Charles first came on contract to skin deer in 2023, then stayed. He has worked in other plants, including Omaha Steaks. He is known for consistent, clean cuts.
Cutter
At EMP since 2025
Ray spent 11 years cutting steaks in a grocery meat department before Elmwood. He cuts here, helps grind hamburger, works the counter, and does the end-of-day equipment clean.
Cutter
At EMP since 2022
Todd came on when Ben and Josh took over. He has owned and run a meat plant before and brings that cutting experience to this floor.
Cutter
At EMP since 2026
Warren joined on a word-of-mouth recommendation. He cuts, rolls beef between coolers, and stays to clean. He steps into whatever the floor needs.