Jonathan and Michelle Parsons first official day open to the public was Saturday, November 13. Photograph by Marlana Smith
By Marlana Smith
Seeing a need in the community sparked the idea for Parsons Custom Processing.
Jonathan and Michelle Parsons broke ground for their new business east of Shelbyville in January 2021. A sign can be seen on Highway 168 west of Emden.
“We feel it was much needed in the community,” Jonathan said.
The couple is known for their work fashioning European mounts. Jonathan started that part of the business close to 20 years ago.
Michelle has about 16 years of experience in the locker.
“I was trained by the best, Barb and Elvin Parrish.
“My top priority when we start butchering livestock is humane handling,” said Michelle, “It means a lot to me.”
Animals will need to be delivered alive to the location where they will be held before
butchering.
At the facility, there is a large hanging cooler designed to hold 30 head of cattle with a smokehouse for cooking cured meats such as hams and bacon. All products will be vacuum sealed to help maintain freshness.
At this time, they are not offering retail meats.
Parsons Custom Processing began taking deer for processing Saturday, November 13.
They will offer processing on cows, pigs, sheep, goats, etc., but no birds.
Jonathan and Michelle hope to be taking livestock in December.
“We have about 50 plus people on a waiting list that we will begin to call to schedule appointments when we finish deer and get the rest of the pens finished,” said Michelle.
Parsons Custom Processing is located at 3305 County Road 263. They can be reached at 573-439-5517.
