Old Salt Co-op

Old Salt Co-op Overview

Old Salt Co-op is a provider of high-quality meat sourced from ranches in Montana. They offer a range of fresh cuts through craft butchery, restaurants, and an online store. As a co-op, they are owned by ranches and workers, and they pride themselves on offering specialty products unique to their brand. Old Salt Co-op is committed to the stewardship of soil, water, and wildlife habitat, ensuring that all livestock are raised, finished, and processed in Montana.

Livestock and Land Stewardship

Livestock play a crucial role in maintaining and improving the fertility of land over time. Old Salt ranches closely monitor changes in key ecological indicators, striving to continuously improve stewardship and work in harmony with nature. Ruminants, in particular, are adept at converting grassland forage into nourishing products, mimicking the symbiotic relationship that native ruminants had with grasslands. Additionally, livestock can make use of grain byproducts unfit for human consumption, while also fertilizing the soil and reducing the need for synthetic chemicals that can harm the land.

Husbandry and Animal Welfare

Old Salt Co-op follows husbandry practices that prioritize handling skills and techniques to work with an animal's mind, rather than relying on force. They avoid unnecessary use of growth hormones, understanding the potential negative impact on the overall well-being of the animals. Providing consistent access to open space and adequate shelter is also an important aspect of ensuring quality of life for the livestock. Old Salt Co-op avoids the use of sub-therapeutic antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance and focuses on skillfully balancing genetics, feeding, and management to raise livestock that produce exceptional nourishment.

The Power of Animal-Based Agriculture

Old Salt Co-op believes that animal-based agriculture has the potential to produce nourishing food while also maintaining and improving long-term ecological health. By embracing sustainable practices, they create space for wildlife and contribute to the overall health of the landscape. The focus on stewardship and the commitment to raising livestock in a responsible manner make Old Salt Co-op a win-win for both consumers and the environment.

Old Salt Festival

Old Salt Festival is a food and music celebration of Montana land stewardship. This event brings together wood-fired cooking, Americana musicians, Montana ranchers, and Western makers to celebrate in true Montana style on the Mannix Family Ranch in Helmville, Montana.

The Union

The Union offers more than just a meal—it's an experience deeply rooted in local flavors and community connection. As a wood-fired grill and butcher shop, The Union invites you to savor a delicious meal on-site or select premium cuts of locally sourced meat to enjoy at home. Whichever way you choose to experience The Union, you're not just enjoying a meal—you're contributing to the enhancement of Montana's lands.

Old Salt Outpost

Old Salt Outpost is a stellar burger shop located inside The Gold Bar in Downtown Helena, Montana. They source their beef from their own ranches and use high-quality local ingredients for their famous beef-fried potatoes, buns, salads, and bratwursts. Make sure to check out their seed-oil free dipping sauces!

Customer Feedback

Customers appreciate that Old Salt Outpost sources their meat from local ranches, ensuring support for the local community. The quality of the beef, bun, cheese, pickles, onion, and sauce used in the burgers receives praise. The beef fat fried potatoes and potatoes with horseradish dipping sauce are also highly regarded for their deliciousness.

Processing Services

Old Salt is in the process of establishing its own vertically integrated processing facility in the Helena, Montana area. This facility will be capable of handling multiple species for both custom exempt and USDA inspected meat products. In addition to processing for their own retail brand, which includes products available on their website, Old Salt currently operates The Union Butcher Shop & Wood Fired Grill and Old Salt Outpost. The goal is to eventually offer centrally located USDA processing services to ranches in the region that currently lack sufficient access.