Tendergrass, based in Floyd, VA, has joined the National Chicken Council as an allied leader member company. David Maren, President and Chief Executive Officer, will serve as the official representative to NCC.
Tendergrass is a poultry supply management company that provides turnkey solutions for industry partners who desire order and predictability in the midst of chaotic supply chains.
The Tendergrass story began in 1999 when John Paul Houston purchased a 60-acre farm in Floyd County, Virginia, to raise his eight children. What began as a way to produce wholesome pork, beef, turkey, and chicken for his family’s own personal use gradually grew into a local meat production, processing, and distribution business. Initially based out of a small timber frame farm store, the family business grew year after year and their specialty meats were eventually available in local restaurants, universities, and an online meat shop.
In 2011, David Maren was asked by John Paul to take on the role of General Manager for his farm and meat business. Recognizing that developing economically sustainable sales and distribution channels for wholesome meat products was both a significant opportunity and a major challenge, it became clear that this was an issue faced across nearly every part of the meat and poultry industry. Within two years, the business evolved from a single local farm into a small network of family farms with national distribution. The goal was to overcome barriers between supply and demand, and step by step, progress was made.
Today, Tendergrass serves their customers as the leading meat and poultry supply management company in the US with a focus on specialized poultry programs.
To learn more about Tendergrass, visit their website here.
