Zimmerman Family Expands Renick Valley Meats to Serve Local and Regional Demand for Quality Beef

In the heart of West Virginia’s cattle country, Jesse and Anna Zimmerman are transforming the local meat industry.

Two years ago, they purchased Countryside Meats in Renick, rebranded it as Renick Valley Meats, and upgraded it to provide custom and commercial meat processing for customers across the region.

“Before, the business was purely ‘custom,’” Jesse explained. “We would process whole and half animals for people, but you’re not allowed to sell retail cuts. That changed this summer. We got a commercial license and we started retail as well.”

Now, on Fridays and Saturdays, cars line up from Pennsylvania, Virginia, and all over West Virginia to pick up freshly processed, high-quality beef cuts.

A Family Affair in West Virginia’s Countryside

The Zimmermans’ journey to Renick began after spending seven years in Nicaragua, seeking a return to the U.S. for a quieter life closer to family.

Their search for the perfect farm expanded to West Virginia, where their daughter Alexandra played a key role in choosing their future home. During a visit to the Renick property, Alexandra bonded with the farm and the surrounding community, which ultimately sealed the deal.

Anna, initially unsure, came to embrace rural life and the challenges of restoring the property. “It was more rural than I expected. And farther away from Lewisburg. It needed a lot of work. But this is an amazing community. It’s beautiful in so many ways. It’s been a lot of fun!” she said.

Growing Operations and Scaling Up for Demand

Today, Renick Valley Meats processes about 12 beef cattle and 12 hogs weekly, with Jesse and his team working at full capacity during peak seasons.

“I’m booking for next year right now,” Jesse shared, as demand grows. To meet local needs, the Zimmermans have added holding pens, expanded freezer space, and enhanced retail options, allowing them to cater to both farmers and consumers directly.

Local restaurants like Hillsboro Pub and Nova Jiu Jitsu are now among their clients, offering Renick’s meat to patrons who appreciate quality local food.

Jesse embraces the hands-on, multifaceted nature of the business. “I don’t have to do the same thing every day. When I get tired of slaughtering, it’s time to cut,” he explained.

His goal is to grow the business steadily, scaling up with new equipment and additional employees while maintaining quality.

Renick Valley Meats has truly become a family business, with Anna managing the books and bringing their children to the shop. “It’s a really great change from what we were doing before,” Anna noted. “We didn’t want to be going into offices every day.”

For local customers, Renick Valley Meats is a trusted source for fresh, local meat, and Jesse encourages anyone looking for custom cuts to reach out directly.

With their commitment to quality and community, the Zimmermans are carving out a strong legacy in West Virginia’s meat industry.

Curious about how Renick Valley Meats is redefining local meat production? Visit our homepage for stories on quality meats and family-run businesses.