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Bonnie Johnson
October 07, 2025
Media ArticleDen’s Country Meats, a family-owned processor in Table Rock, Nebraska, has been recognized as the 2025 Independent Processor of the Year by The National Provisioner, a leading national trade publication for the meat and poultry industry.
The award highlights the company’s dedication to quality, innovation, and community engagement in the heart of rural Nebraska.
Founded in 1985 by Dennis Schaardt, Den’s Country Meats began as a small custom processing business on the family farm. Over four decades later, it has grown into a full USDA-inspected facility that provides beef and pork processing, wild game services, private labeling for other brands, and operates a retail market offering over 80 homemade sausage varieties.
Today, the multigenerational business is managed by Dennis and his wife Kim, along with their daughter Courtney Shreve and her husband Seth. Courtney, who recently returned to the family business full-time, says the award holds deep meaning for them.
“To be recognized nationally by our peers for being innovative and committed to the industry means a lot,” she said. “It’s just exciting to know the work we’re doing here in southeast Nebraska is making an impact.”
In addition to this national honor, Den’s Country Meats has had an exceptional year, earning international recognition for its products and participating in the Nebraska Beef Passport program, which has helped attract new customers from across the state and beyond.
“We’ve had people drive hours to visit us after hearing about our story or tasting our products,” Shreve said. “We’re just grateful for the recognition and for everyone who walks through our doors.”
From its modest beginnings to national acclaim, Den’s Country Meats exemplifies the values of family, quality craftsmanship, and rural entrepreneurship, continuing to strengthen Nebraska’s agricultural and food processing legacy.
