Metro East Sun

Illinois is home to an estimated 640,000 white-tailed deer, ranking it 22nd in the nation. Deer hunting is a significant activity for many residents, and with the firearm deer season underway, processing plants are experiencing increased demand. The state hosts numerous family-run deer processing businesses that have been passed down through generations.

Trenton Processing, situated east of St. Louis in Clinton County, was established in 1964 by Calvin and Loretta Schwend. In 1991, they sold the business to three of their five children. More recently, in 2022, Cody and Sheldyn Schneider from Beckemeyer acquired it. They continue the tradition by offering a variety of specialty sausages along with cured and smoked items. Custom processing services, including deer processing, remain available.

Behrmann Meat and Processing in Albers is another family-owned enterprise that began operations in 1968 under Dennis and Elaine Behrmann. Over time, they expanded the original facility significantly. Currently employing over 50 full-time staff members, Behrmann’s focuses on custom deer processing while maintaining its mission "to produce, process, and sell quality products at the highest level possible."