This summer, many of us fired up the BBQ and enjoyed juicy burgers, sizzling sausages and tender steaks. And more and more people chose to buy local meat to make those meals even more special. But buying local isn’t just for BBQ season! It’s a year-round choice that supports British farmers, ensures quality and helps the environment.

Why Local Meat? The Rise of Meat Boxes

When you buy local meat, you’re not just getting food – you’re making a difference. Local farmers take pride in high welfare standards, sustainable practices and producing meat that’s full of flavour. It also travels fewer miles, meaning fresher food on your plate and a smaller carbon footprint.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy local meat is through meat boxes. Farmers across the UK are creating convenient boxes packed with a selection of cuts, making it simple for households of all sizes to enjoy better-quality, traceable food.

A great example is Lancashire Lamb Boxes, set up by Eden and John. Their family-run farm offers a range of box sizes to suit different needs – whether you’re cooking for two or stocking up for a family feast. Each box comes straight from the farm to your door, giving you a true taste of the countryside. Eden sums it up perfectly:

“We sell beef, lamb, pork and mutton, we post the meat boxes out to the whole of the UK, delivering direct to the public! We used to sell to supermarkets, but we don’t anymore because when we were selling to supermarkets, we worked out that we were earning £1.14 an hour for the work we were doing on the farm, which is obviously not viable as a business.”

“So we started to sell direct to the public and we could set our own prices, instead of being told what price we should paid, whether that cost covered the cost of production or not, and it has gone from strength to strength thankfully from the support of the British public!”

 

Follow their story on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok! Check out one of their videos below which breaks down the costings of keeping a cow on the farm and rearing a calf up to the point of it being processed for meat and delivered. Prices can vary hugely so this is just a rough guide:

And they’re not alone. Across the UK, farms are offering beef, pork, lamb, and mixed meat boxes. Many even share recipe ideas, so you can try new dishes and make the most of every cut, all delicious and nutritious! 

Beyond the BBQ

Summer BBQs might be over soon, but local meat really shines in autumn and winter too. Think slow-cooked lamb stews, roast beef with all the trimmings, hearty pork casseroles, and homemade pies. Buying seasonal veg alongside local meat makes for warming, comforting meals that celebrate British farming at its best.

How you can support local Farmers

• Search online for local meat box schemes near you
• Visit your local farmers’ market
• Ask your butcher about sourcing direct from farms
• Share your local food finds on social media to spread the word

Choosing local is about more than food – it’s about community, sustainability, and taste. So next time you’re planning a meal, whether it’s a Sunday roast or a weekday dinner, why not make it local?

**We thank Lancashire Lamb Boxes for all their images in this blog!