Carbondale Reporter

Illinois is a state known for its thriving deer population and its popularity among hunters. With an estimated population of 850,000 deer, Illinois ranks seventh in the top deer hunting states list. The west-central region of the state, known as the 'Golden Triangle', particularly stands out for consistently producing some of the largest bucks in the state. This region, comprising Pike, Brown, and Adams counties, is renowned for its abundance of deer and attracts hunters from all over the state and nation.

Representative C. D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) acknowledges the significance of deer hunting in western Illinois, stating, "We see some of the nicest bucks, while also feeding our families. Deer is serious business around here, from the lodges to the processors and everything in between."

Indeed, deer processing is a thriving industry in Illinois, with many family businesses passing down their expertise from generation to generation. One such example is Eickman's Processing Co., operated by the Eickman family since 1953. The business has evolved over the years, expanding its retail and warehouse space, processing floor, and coolers and freezers. Eickman's Processing Co. has earned numerous awards for its quality meat and contributions to the industry. The business has been passed down through the family, with Mike and Lori Eickman taking over in 1999 and Tom and Katie Eickman assuming ownership in 2020.

Similarly, in the village of Sainte Marie in Jasper County, Hartrich Meats has been a staple since 1953. Started by Harold and Lucie Hartrich, the business has grown to include a retail area, deer processing, catering, and grill sales. The next generation, Mark and Tony Hartrich, took over in 1984, and their sons, Craig, Brian, and Daniel, have joined the business, ensuring a legacy of experience and excellence.

Heinkel's Packing Co., established in 1912 by German immigrant Albert Heinkel, has remained a family-owned operation for over a century. The business, currently owned and operated by the fourth generation of the family, offers a range of meat products, including deer processing.

Trenton Processing, founded in 1964 by Calvin and Loretta Schwend, is another family-owned business that has seen a change in ownership. In 2022, Cody and Sheldyn Schneider acquired the business, continuing its tradition of offering specialty sausages and custom processing, including deer processing.

Illinois is home to many other family-owned deer processing plants, each with its own unique story and commitment to quality. J and J Meat Processing in Beecher City, owned by Jay Bell, is a small-scale operation where family members contribute to every aspect of the business. Turasky Meats, founded in 1949, has been passed down through the Turasky family, consistently delivering high-quality deer processing alongside a variety of meat products. Behrmann Meat and Processing, established in 1968, has grown to employ over 50 full-time employees while maintaining a focus on producing and selling quality products.

Jones Meat and Locker, a family-owned business since 1943, prioritizes customer service and offers a range of meat processing and packaging services, including deer processing.

These family businesses are just a few examples of the thriving deer processing industry in Illinois. Other notable establishments include Korte Meat Processing and Grantfork Meats in Highland, Shirley Farms in DeSoto, Smokehouse Venison Processing in Rockford, Moweaqua Packing Plant in Moweaqua, and Triple C Meats in Anna.

Representative Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) rightly acknowledges the dedication and pride of these family businesses, stating, "Illinois is home to so many wonderful family businesses, especially when it comes to deer processing. And the products they sell are of such high quality. These folks really take a lot of pride in the work they do."

With their commitment to excellence and the passing down of expertise from one generation to the next, these family-owned deer processing businesses continue to play a vital role in Illinois's hunting and culinary traditions.

To learn more, click on this link: https://reppauljacobs.com/2023/11/16/deer-processing-a-family-business-in-illinois/