Metro East Sun

Illinois has established itself as a top deer hunting state, with the 'Golden Triangle' counties leading the way in consistently producing some of the largest bucks in the state. With an estimated population of 850,000 deer, Illinois ranks seventh on the list of top deer hunting states in the nation.

One aspect of Illinois' deer hunting culture that often goes unnoticed is the presence of family-run deer processing plants. These businesses, passed down from generation to generation, play a crucial role in providing high-quality meat to hunters and their communities.

One such family business is Eickman's Processing Co. The Eickman family has been operating a meat processing plant in Winnebago County since 1953. Over the years, they have expanded their operations, increasing retail and warehouse space, as well as the processing floor and coolers and freezers. Eickman's has received numerous awards for their quality meat and contributions to the meat industry. The business has been passed down through the family, with different generations taking over the reins of leadership. Mike and Lori Eickman took over in 1999, and in 2020, Tom and Katie Eickman assumed ownership.

In the tiny village of Sainte Marie in Jasper County, another family legacy can be found at Hartrich Meats. Started in 1953 by Harold Hartrich and his wife Lucie, the business initially provided meat for their grocery store and offered custom processing to local farmers. The Hartrichs' sons, Mark and Tony, took over the operation in 1984 and expanded it to include a retail area, deer processing, catering, and grill sales. Today, Mark and Tony's sons, Craig, Brian, and Daniel, continue the family tradition, providing generations of experience and excellence to the community's needs.

Heinkel's Packing Co. in Decatur is another Illinois family business with a rich history. The business dates back to 1912 when German immigrant Albert Heinkel started making sausage in the back of his store. Today, Heinkel's is owned and operated by the fourth generation of the family, with President Wes Heinkel and Vice President Dennis Heinkel at the helm. They offer a variety of meat products, including deer processing, which are sold over the counter, through distributors, and are also available at grocery stores and restaurants.

Trenton Processing, located east of St. Louis in Clinton County, has its own family story. Calvin and Loretta Schwend founded the business in 1964 and later sold it to three of their five children in 1991. In 2022, Cody and Sheldyn Schneider took over the business, maintaining its wide variety of specialty sausages and custom processing services, including deer processing.

These family businesses take great pride in their work, ensuring that the products they sell are of the highest quality. Representative Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) acknowledged the dedication of these businesses, stating, "Illinois is home to so many wonderful family businesses, especially when it comes to deer processing."

Other family-run deer processing plants in Illinois include J and J Meat Processing in Beecher City, where owner Jay Bell and his family contribute to the operation; Turasky Meats in Springfield, which has been passed down through generations and focuses on hard work and quality products; Behrmann Meat and Processing in Albers, which has grown over the years and now employs over 50 full-time staff; and Jones Meat and Locker in Jacksonville, which has been family-owned and operated since 1943, prioritizing customer service.

These family businesses serve their communities by providing high-quality meat processing services, including deer processing. They contribute to the local economy and carry on a tradition of excellence that has been passed down through generations. Illinois is fortunate to have such dedicated and passionate family-run deer processing plants that continue to meet the needs of hunters and meat enthusiasts alike.

Click this link to access more information: https://repelik.com/2023/11/17/deer-processing-a-family-business-in-illinois/