Packsaddle Meat Processing

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Packsaddle Meat Processing A custom exempt butcher shop specializing in slaughter and butchering of cattle, hogs, lamb and exotic livestock. We do not process wild game.
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On this page we also provide education and entertainment related to butchering.

10/20/2026

How do you get 5,000 pounds of dead weight cattle in a dump trailer? Watch.

Omit the pull on the winch we used ratchet straps and the tractor to move the dead cattle out of the way to make room for the next one.

The last cow we pulled on top of the legs of the cow in the center. They fit like sardines but they fit!

Each cow was processed back at the shop in one hour.

10/19/2026

Sometimes it’s more appropriate to use two shooters for a 3-cow pickup. Not only to limit the amount of stress, but also to make the kills go as quickly and as safely as possible.

We’re human. A miss can cause the hands to shake. Unacceptable when pulling the trigger to end a life. The same thing can happen when you hit the target exactly on point.

I, Samantha, have done this so many times and yet there are still times my hands can be less than steady.

Rather than try to force myself to be on point, we depend on each other as a team to step up and give support where needed.

We never do kills alone. No matter how simple the setup.

In circumstances like this where the cattle have a couple acres to run, we depend on each other without waiting for the situation to go sideways.

It makes for a quick dispatch. Use your resources. No one expects you to handle everything alone.

10/18/2026

Once you start a big project, the middle is the point you want to quit.

Except the damage done can’t just be left there.

We either abandon it or keep moving forward.

If you’re in a ditch of your own doing trying to improve your life, fix mistakes made, repair relationships that are damaged, etc. - Don’t quit.

The middle is the worst. You’re tired, you see all the damage and little progress, and the finish line is much further away than you thought it’d be.

Don’t quit.

There’s refining God does in the fight. There’s healing in the middle.

If we do this His way. Let your character be refined, don’t fight the pace (fighting makes it slower and harder).

Accept it.

Embrace it.

Rest in the truth and the promises of God’s word, and get back to work.

It’ll be worth it.

We had a cancellation! You can get your Christmas roast just in time.This is our last beef of the year at this price. Al...
10/16/2026

We had a cancellation! You can get your Christmas roast just in time.

This is our last beef of the year at this price. All beef is sourced from a local herd right here in north Idaho.

Angus or Hereford beef, grass/alfalfa fed and non-GMO grain finished (wheat, barley, peas, chickpeas).

The average hanging weight out of this herd is 900 pounds, and all fees are per pound based on hanging weight.

Butcher fees, cut and wrap, are included!

Give Samantha a text or call to reserve your beef with a deposit and to answer any questions: 509-496-1641

10/15/2026

Finding physical anomalies in the carcasses of the livestock we process is always fascinating.

This beef was perfectly healthy and none of the meat was tainted by this strange sight.

Upon breaking down the beef Brian noticed apparently a pint to a pint and a half of synovial fluid pouring out of the joint of the round. Typically there’s only about an ounce or two.

Upon further inspection he noticed a large void in the joint.

The most likely cause: bursitis or an old joint effusion causing a non-infectious buildup of fluid over time. Breaking down the beef simply released the buildup and revealed a fibrous joint capsule that had been stretched open over time.

The tissue was separated from the healthy muscle and disposed of. The meat was perfectly fine to eat.

Fascinating what we learn! Has anyone ever seen anything like this? Veterinarians: what’s your take?

10/14/2026

North Idaho used to be one of the most affordable places to live and work. Before COVID.

Now the cost of living in Kootenai County is 18% higher than the national average, and our fuel prices are 6% higher than the national average.

Unfortunately, compare that to our local earnings and Idaho is the second LEAST AFFORDABLE state to live in.

We know it - we feel it. And we still have to adjust our costs according to the inflated prices we have to deal with.

We do our best to keep our prices the same all year. We have no desire to gouge our customers. And if costs go up we have to match that to keep the doors open.

We so appreciate the support and loyalty of our customers. We do our best to work with every one personally to ensure you’re satisfied and supported on this side of the process of feeding your family.

Thank you for understanding!

10/13/2026

It takes a lot of guts to invest in starting a business. I love North Idaho and all of these little Mom and pop shops that have sprung up in the last six years.

It’s a testimony to courage, capitalism, and grit.

Whether the investment is tens of thousands of dollars or a few hundred dollars, it’s always an investment of the heart of the person who starts it.

We love supporting other local small businesses.

This weekend, three generations drove north to Blanchard, Idaho to support one new business. The owner is a friend of the family and decided this was a good way to spend her retirement!

I’ve gotten products from this little stand twice now, and there’s not one thing I’ve gotten that I have not loved.

You really do feel like you’re stopping by Gran‘s kitchen for a quick snack that is wholesome, delicious, and full of a lot of love and probably more sugar than you should have, but… Grans calories don’t count!

Whether you’re in the area and have time to stop on a Saturday morning, or whether you know a local stand near you that does something similar, take five minutes and give your support.

It’s not about these little businesses making a million dollars.

It’s about supporting our community, our neighbors, and keeping our economy thriving on a local level.

10/12/2026

It can be very helpful to study animal behavior in this job.

Herd behavior is different with cows compared to sheep, or horses and goats. Understanding what causes the animal stress will make your job a lot easier if you can manipulate the environment, or even change your own behavior, to keep them calm.

When curiosity overcomes a desire for their herd it’s a perfect opportunity for the shot.

Curiosity will only arise when the animal feels an element of safety.

It may seem cruel, doing what you can to help an animal feel safe in order to get a clean kill. However, I’d argue it’s better than using force and causing an animal stress because they know they’re in danger.

What are your thoughts?

10/09/2026

We take pride in our work.

Amazing cows make it even better. Shoutout to the local families who do an amazing job raising amazing beef for the community 👏🏼🙌🏼

10/08/2026

Did you know a dead cow can still kick even 10 minutes after death?

How? It’s called Adenosine Triphosphate - ATP for short.

It is the primary molecule our cells use to store and transfer chemical energy to power muscle contractions.

Without the brain online to pump the brakes and determine how much is utilized for various movements, when the animal goes brain dead ATP is essentially dumped into the muscles with every bit of stimulation.

Kind of like a water bottle with the cap off being kicked around. Every kick dumps more water on the ground.

The more intense the stimulation (like kicking the hoof versus cutting through the hock) the more violent the reaction until all of the ATP is depleted.

It’s common to still see muscles twitching even when the carcass is hanging with no head, no guts, and an hour has passed.

If you’re going to get near the hooves within ten minutes after death, stand in a safe position.

Don’t let carelessness and laziness turn your situation into a circus.

Address

Athol, ID
83801

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12088196051

Website

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