In 1991 a young couple with minimal farming background, moved to the 50 acre almost barren land in Enderby with a wild idea to begin a deer farm (later called Riversbend Fallow Deer Farm). Once the construction began, the family could not stop there, the animals needed to be processed and marketed locally. Beginning as a 1,000 square foot facility in 1997 with 2 employees and family help, the init
ial company of North Okanagan Game Meats was established. Upon changing government regulations, the once small facility grew. In 2008, the name Valley Wide Meats was added to advertise more of the custom cut and wrap part of the business. In August 2008, the facility became licensed as a provincially inspected slaughter house under the 'Class A' scope of meat inspection regulations by BC Centre for Disease Control under the Food Safety Act. Over the years, Valley Wide Meats continued expanding to include a storage freezer, larger cutting room, second floor, additional handling pens, 2 hoists on the kill floor, and now another cooler and loading dock to accommodate hunted game. Availability of products such as local meat, suet, wet dog food, and even jerky making and other specific cuts has brought in customers from across Canada. Valley Wide Meats currently employs 7 crew members but still holds to the old methods of cash or cheque payments and just recently, e-transfers. Valley Wide Meats is a member of the BC Abattoir Association, and a processor of Premium BC Lamb and 100% BC Beef. Soon to come is carcass grading, online animal traceability, and possibly a store front . North Okanagan Game Meats remains a part of the business, but is directed to restaurants and wineries with various products that include local and game meats.
