Meat the Crew

We're meat professionals, not spelling bee champions ;)

 

Juan Torres
(Plant Manager)

Juan Torres serves as the Plant Manager at Farm Country Butchery, bringing with him a lifetime of service, leadership, and a deep respect for doing things the right way.
A retired Army National Guard service member, Juan dedicated 20 years to the military, including three tours in the Middle East. Throughout his service, he earned a reputation as a steady, highly respected leader; someone who took responsibility seriously, looked out for those around him, and led by example. His time serving our country shaped him as a man and the values he holds today.
Since his military career, Juan worked at and then ultimately managed another local processing plant and upon closing, moved on to serve the state of Wisconsin as a Meat Safety Inspector. Prior to joining our team, Juan had over six years of hands-on experience across production, plant management, and inspection sides of the industry.
At his core, Juan believes that integrity shows up in the details. Whether it’s food safety, plant operations, or team leadership, he brings focus, discipline, and pride to every task. He takes his work seriously because he understands what’s at stake; families, farmers, and the trust placed in every product that leaves the plant.
Outside of work, Juan is a devoted husband and father of two. He has a deep appreciation for the outdoors, homegrown food, farming, and (most of all) meat production done with care and intention. His life experiences have shaped a leader who is calm, capable, and deeply committed to serving both his team and the community.
Juan is proud to be part of Farm Country Butchery and is fully invested in ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and craftsmanship, every day, without exception.

 


Sean Graese
(Co-Owner/Sales & Marketing)

I grew up hunting, fishing, ranching, and in many ways, not much has changed. Some of my earliest and best memories are rooted in those traditions, including our Thanksgiving week deer season ritual I’ll never forget. We were processing all of our deer from the week of hunting; my dad, grandpa, uncles, and I, when everyone suddenly realized the tenderloins were missing. I was 8 or 10 years old at the time so they stationed me at the hand-crank grinder (because I tended to cut myself too much with a knife lol) and, in my enthusiasm, ground everything that came within arm’s reach.... including that pile of succulent inner tenderloins Whoops. I imagine that was some incredible burger though!

My first professional job was right here in Conrath back in 2005, when I turned 18. After growing up fencing, haying, feeding, watering, sorting, & hauling animals, I recognised all that work was for naught if the processing didn't go well. I started on cleanup and packaging, then worked my way onto the cutting and slaughter crews, then into shipping and customer service, marketing, and eventually into leadership. I’ve seen every role this place has to offer and I value every single one of them because I have done it myself.

That journey has given me a deep appreciation for the process and the people behind the work. Every position matters, and every person plays a critical role in creating the quality, care, and experience we believe customers should have. I don’t take that lightly.

I’m proud to be part of this team and the service we provide to our community. I look forward to serving you, and hopefully meeting you in person someday.

 


Marielle Hewitt
(Co-Owner/Chief Operating Officer)

Marielle Hewitt has dedicated her professional life to ranching and meat production, and she brings that experience to the business every single day. With a deep understanding of both the land and the logistics, Marielle plays a key role in leading operations, overseeing sourcing, and keeping the gears of the business running smoothly.

She has a sharp eye for detail and a steady, thoughtful approach to problem-solving, making her an essential part of the team’s success. Whether it’s coordinating schedules, working with producers, or building successful processes, Marielle approaches her work with care, consistency, and pride.

Beyond her role, Marielle is the kind of person who leaves a lasting impression. Spend a little time around her and you’ll quickly understand, she’s knowledgeable, genuine, and deeply invested in the people and work that make this operation what it is. And you’ll be glad you got to know her.

 

 

Shannon
(Office Administrator)

Shannon is often the first friendly voice you’ll hear and the welcoming face you’ll meet, whether you’re calling in or stopping by in person. She has a natural way of making people feel taken care of, combining clear communication, genuine kindness, and exceptional organization in everything she does. With many years of service in the military, Shannon brings a strong sense of discipline, reliability, and attention to detail to her role. Those habits show up daily in how smoothly things run behind the scenes and in the consistent, high level of service our customers experience. Simply put, Shannon treats people right. You can count on her to be helpful, thorough, and attentive, and you’ll appreciate the care she brings to every interaction.

 


Crystal S.
(Fresh Sausage Lead)

Crystal started in sanitation in the Conrath processing plant out of a desire to find a way to buy herself a horse. Though her dad wasn't a huge fan at first, the ability for Crystal to pay her own way and cover her own expenses quickly won him over. Crystal spent many hours and worked as hard anyone through her high school years. "I basically grew up here." Crystal chuckles. Through those formative years, Crystal gained knowledge and experience in sausage production, sanitation, cutting, slaughter, customer service, and, most extensively, packaging. Crystal has a very helpful spirit, is detail oriented, expects the best out of herself and others, and desires to know each customer and is continuously striving to grow every day. "We have a great team, we do our best, and try to have fun while doing it." One of Crystal's favorite verses also keeps her grounded and focused: Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."