Malheur River Meats
Photos by Marilyn Isaac Photography
Story by Lex Nelson
Rob and Michelle Stokes’ love story started with animal science. They met at California State University, Chico — he was in the Beef Unit, she was in the Swine Unit. A year after graduation, the couple found work at Niman Ranch, a now-famous network of sustainability-focused farmers.
Photos by Marilyn Isaac Photography
“We ran the ranch and ran the feeding operation for [Bill Niman’s] program as that grew through the years. We stayed with them for about 15 years, and that's how we ended up in Idaho — running his beef operations in Idaho,” Rob said.
They left Niman around 2008 to raise nanny goats, and in 2010 launched Malheur River Meats with fellow farmers Linda and Mike Bentz in Malheur County, Oregon. Today, they raise cattle, hogs, goats, turkeys, and chickens on 265 acres. Their pork is Global Animal Partnership (GAP) certified and their eggs, goat meat, and pork are Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World.
Photos by Marilyn Isaac Photography
“I guess before all these buzz words were all created — sustainability, responsible agriculture, holistic — growing up it was just part of our genetics,” Rob said. “... It was just like a, ‘you took care of what you had and left it for the next generation and the next person’ type of deal.”
Partnering with FARE Idaho’s “Learn the Art of Butchery” class felt right.
Photos by Marilyn Isaac Photography
“Our goal has always been to market the whole animal before we butcher another animal and not just throw away what people don't want … It’s good for people to understand the whole animal, the whole process, and what it takes to get the whole animal to that point. It’s a living creature that deserves respect,” Rob said.
Along with their animals, Rob and Michelle are raising the next generation of farmers. Their two teenage daughters participate in 4H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs.
Photo by Marilyn Isaac Photography
Shoppers can find Malheur River Meats products at Cliff’s Country Market in Caldwell, Lark and Larder in Boise, and the Boise Farmers Market in season. To learn more or sign up for twice-monthly deliveries, visit MalheurRiverMeats.com.
