FIND WHAT
YOU LOVE.
John Rhudy is a familiar face at the Tazewell Farmer’s Market. Each Tuesday and Saturday, Rhudy, the owner of Rhudy Livestock, heads to the market, hauling his freezer truck full of locally-sourced meats for his customers.
Known for their beef and pork products, the Burkes Garden-based business is a go-to for residents of Tazewell County and beyond. Throughout the week, Rhudy makes home deliveries for his customers who can’t make it to the market — something that sets his local business apart from major commercial retailers.
“About 10 years ago, my wife and I started selling custom beef in the fall, and we had a lot of interest in our beef,” Rhudy said. “We decided to try and it took off well.”
Over the last year, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic presented a fair share of challenges for the Rhudys and their business. Meat processors were booked up, making it difficult to keep up with supply and demand. But Rhudy has adapted to the changing circumstances.
Since then, he’s been honing his marketing and social media skills by posting more frequently on the Rhudy Livestock Facebook page, where he shares his schedules and specials and keeps customers updated about new and discounted products.
“Last year with the pandemic was our first full year of providing beef and pork,” Rhudy said. “As things slow down, I’d like to do more lamb and maybe goats.”
Currently, he’s focusing on his cattle and meeting the demand for rabbit meat in his area.
Each workday looks different for Rhudy, who balances a full-time job in agriculture outside of his livestock business. But whether he’s working remotely or in-person at his job, he tends to his farm in his downtime, feeding and caring for his cattle, horses, and rabbits.
Sometimes his children pitch in with the family business, specifically his seven-year-old daughter, who he has also taught virtually throughout the pandemic. She’s in charge of collecting eggs, and the profit made from the eggs is hers to keep, he said. Rhudy hopes to build a website soon with his 15-year-old son, who he said is skilled with web development.
Living in one of Tazewell County’s most scenic communities, Rhudy says he’s grateful to be raising his family in such a serene town.
“We’re very fortunate, and I never take it for granted,” Rhudy said. “I tell the kids all the time how fortunate they are to live here and have land here. There are not many people that have that acreage anymore.”
As he teaches his children the ways of agricultural business, he’s simultaneously working to shine a light on the industry and the farmers who make it all possible. With fewer folks entering the farming profession today, Rhudy said it’s his priority to educate the public about the industry and teach consumers about where their products are grown, quality control regulations, and where their purchases are coming from.
“That’s one of our biggest obstacles and one of our biggest challenges in agriculture: educating mass consumers,” Rhudy said. “We eat the same things we grow, too. We want everyone to be happy and healthy.”
As for now though, Rhudy’s finding new ways to be innovative. He hopes to expand his offerings and partner with local restaurants in the near future.
Stay up to date with Rhudy’s schedule by following his Facebook page. Deliveries and orders can be arranged by calling (276) 701-3613, messaging the Facebook page, or by emailing [email protected]
Tazewell County, Virginia is nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Founded in 1799, the county has a rich history spanning generations and is home to some of the best outdoor recreation experiences available in the region!
