Why the PRIME Act is Essential for the Future of GoldenShire and Local Farming

At GoldenShire, our mission is rooted in regeneration—regenerating soil, communities, and the relationship between people and the land. As we grow our community campground and expand our offerings, from our organic free-range poultry to our future vineyard, one piece of legislation stands out as vital for our success and the success of countless regenerative farms across the nation: the PRIME Act.

The PRIME Act, co-authored by sustainable farming legend Joel Salatin and Representative Thomas Massie, aims to revive and empower local food systems by allowing states to set their own standards for meat processing. This might sound like a niche regulatory change, but it has huge implications for small-scale farmers and consumers alike.

The Problem with the Current System

Currently, the federal system of meat processing regulation heavily favors large industrial meatpackers. To sell meat, farmers must have it processed at USDA-certified facilities, which are often far from local farms and come with steep costs and long waiting periods. For small operations like GoldenShire, these restrictions make it nearly impossible to process and distribute our own pasture-raised meat efficiently. This regulatory burden isn’t just a logistical nightmare—it’s a major barrier that stifles local food economies and limits consumers’ access to fresh, ethically raised meat.

How the PRIME Act Can Change This

The PRIME Act, formally known as the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act, would enable states to set their own standards for meat processing. This means that farmers could process their meat at state-inspected or custom slaughterhouses and sell directly to consumers, restaurants, grocers, and other in-state businesses.

For GoldenShire, the passage of this act would be transformative. Imagine a world where the chicken on your plate at one of our farm-to-table events was processed right here, with the same care and attention we put into raising it. With fewer regulatory barriers, we could offer a more transparent and local farm-to-fork experience, emphasizing the values that have always driven GoldenShire: trust, sustainability, and a commitment to our community.

What This Means for You and the Community

By allowing farms like GoldenShire to process meat locally, the PRIME Act would create a stronger connection between the farm and the consumer. You’d know exactly where your food came from, how it was raised, and who prepared it. Guests at our community campground would have the unique opportunity to enjoy meals sourced and processed right on-site, knowing that every bite supports not just a farm but a regenerative way of life.

This change wouldn’t just benefit GoldenShire; it would empower countless small farms that share our passion for sustainable and ethical farming. It would allow farmers to keep their operations local, build stronger ties within their communities, and offer fresher, healthier products to those who value knowing their farmer and understanding their food.

The Broader Vision

Joel Salatin, whom I am proud to call a mentor, has always spoken about the importance of reclaiming power as both farmers and consumers. His vision, embedded in the PRIME Act, is one where small farms can thrive without being smothered by a system built for industrial giants. It’s a vision we share here at GoldenShire, where we believe that regeneration is not just for the soil but for the entire ecosystem of farming, community, and local economy.

As we continue to build and grow GoldenShire into not just a place but a movement, we invite you to join us in supporting initiatives like the PRIME Act. Reach out to your representatives, stay informed, and share the message with others who care about local food systems and regenerative farming.

Supporting the PRIME Act is about more than processing meat; it’s about reshaping our food system to prioritize local, regenerative agriculture over industrial convenience. It’s about allowing innovative farms like GoldenShire to flourish and provide for their communities in the way they were meant to—sustainably, ethically, and proudly.

Join the Movement

Together, we can ensure that GoldenShire and other small, dedicated farms have the opportunity to thrive, nourishing both the land and the people for generations to come.

Stay connected, stay informed, and let’s make this vision a reality.

Your partners in regeneration,

The GoldenShire Team