Meat Success Podcast - Optimizing Your Farm Market: Lessons from Pleasant View Beef

Building Success One Cut at a Time: The Journey of Pleasant View Beef

In a recent episode of the Meet Success podcast, host Katie Olthoff sat down with Kayla Lewis from Pleasant View Beef to discuss the ins and outs of running a successful farm store. As partners of Chop Local, they delved into the evolution and success of Pleasant View Beef, highlighting the pivotal role women play in their operation.

The conversation begins with Kayla affirming the significant involvement of women in the operations at Pleasant View Beef. "We pull the men in when we need the heavy lifting, but it's directed by us for sure," Kayla shares. This resonates with many farm businesses, where women tend to take the reins of marketing and other critical areas.

Listen to the episode here:

Watch the full interview here: 

A Rich History and Transition

Pleasant View Beef's roots date back to 1941, transitioning from a small farm raising pigs, chickens, and dairy cows to focusing on beef cattle. Although dairy was their primary focus, declining milk prices led to a pivotal decision to transition to beef. By 2018, they began selling meat, initially in smaller volumes, which led to opening a dedicated retail store in 2021 due to growing demand.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges but also propelled Pleasant View Beef's business as consumers sought local meat sources. With grocery store shelves empty, Kayla noted, "COVID was bad for everyone, but good for us," allowing their business to grow exponentially. Today, they continue to thrive by focusing on customer education and community engagement.

Location for a Successful Farm Market is Key

Kayla emphasizes that their location just off a major highway has been crucial to their success. Despite being slightly off the beaten path, the farm's visibility and thoughtful signage have consistently drawn customers, including those from nearby big cities on their way to cottages.

Customer service and education are central to Kayla's philosophy. Whether it's recommending recipes for lesser-known cuts or ensuring every customer leaves satisfied, Kayla and her team are committed to creating a welcoming environment. This approach builds customer loyalty—a key factor in sustaining and growing their business.

Pleasant View Beef experiences continual sales growth, with a focus on maintaining momentum through strategic offers and events. They recently explored radio advertising and leveraged social media to reach their audience. Engaging the local agricultural community, they source pork, chicken, and dairy products to enhance their product range, always ensuring quality before adding to their lineup.

A Model for Aspiring Farm Store Owners

Kayla's advice for those considering starting a farm store is to focus on location and community demand. Start small, listen to your customers, and adapt as needed. Utilizing space wisely and considering simple setups like using sheds for sales can be a stepping stone to success.

As Pleasant View Beef continues to grow, Kayla remains hopeful for the future. With plans to optimize their current space and a focus on customer-centered service, they aim to keep moving forward as a trusted local meat supplier. Pleasant View Beef’s journey is a testament to the power of community, strong service, and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Join the Conversation

Explore more about Kayla Lewis and Pleasant View Beef's journey by checking out the full Meet Success podcast episode or visiting their Chop Local page. It's a journey worth savoring as Pleasant View Beef builds success one cut at a time.