Hartrich Meats

In the heart of Jasper County, nestled in the close-knit community of Ste. Marie, Illinois, stands a pillar of tradition, hard work, and family values—Hartrich Meats. Established in 1953, this family-owned meat processing company has not only provided high-quality meat products but has also become a vital part of the community fabric.

The story of Hartrich Meats began with two brothers, Tony and Mark Hartrich’s father and uncle, who set up a grocery store in Ste. Marie. Over time, they expanded their operations to include a meat processing plant, catering to local farmers and residents. What started as a small endeavor has grown into a good-sized, well-respected business, primarily serving a 60-mile radius, but with customers coming from much farther afield, and employing around ten full-time and several part-time workers.

Tony Hartrich, a 1978 graduate of Newton Community High School (NCHS), recalls the early days with a sense of pride and nostalgia. “We’ve all been in it since we were about this tall,” he says, gesturing to his waist. Tony, like his brother Mark, who graduated from NCHS in 1968, has been immersed in the family business from a young age. After studying Business Administration at Eastern Illinois University, Mark returned to work full-time at Hartrich Meats, continuing the family tradition.

The Hartrich family has always believed in the value of hard work and community involvement. They support local organizations such as the FFA and 4-H, hosting events like meat judging contests and providing resources for agricultural education. “We do a lot with the high school, especially the FFA,” Mark explains. “We set up retail cuts, have carcasses for beef and pork, and help with their judging contests.”

Mark’s son, Brian, and Tony’s son, Daniel, a 2003 graduate of NCHS and a University of Illinois alumnus, represents the third generation working at Hartrich Meats. Daniel’s journey from Newton to the U of I and back is a testament to the strong pull of family and community. “College is fun, but it may not be worth the price. There are a lot of opportunities for jobs without going to college and staying in the area,” Daniel advises. His words reflect the practical wisdom that has been passed down through the generations in the Hartrich family. Tony’s daughter, Grace, is a 6th-grade teacher at Newton Elementary School and niece Abby Jansen is a school counselor. Tony’s brother-in-law, Darren Frohning and nephew Kyle Frohning also work at Hartrich’s alongside so many other family members. Clearly, the entire family has gone all-in on Jasper County in more ways than one.

The Hartriches’ commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in their operations. They process beef on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and hogs on Wednesdays, maintaining a rigorous schedule to meet the demands of their clientele. “Our business really picked up during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Tony notes. “People started looking for locally raised meat and wanted to know their farmer. We’ve been doing this a long time, and we have a really good clientele of people.”

Despite the challenges of running a small business, the Hartrich family remains steadfast. Their dedication to the community and each other is unwavering. “We’ve been booked up for all of 2024 for over a year now,” Mark says, highlighting the demand for their services. The family’s reputation for excellence extends beyond Jasper County, drawing customers from as far away as Indianapolis.

As a fully inspected Type One plant, Hartrich Meats adheres to strict state regulations, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety. This attention to detail and commitment to excellence have earned them a loyal customer base and a respected place in the industry.

The Hartrich family’s roots run deep in Jasper County. Mark and Tony’s brother Mike, who spent 40 years working in the school district, now volunteers at the high school and helps out at Hartrich Meats. “Three of us still live in Ste. Marie,” Tony says proudly, referring to himself, Mike, and their sister, Amy Frohning. “Mark,” he says, “lives in Newton.”

For the Hartriches, community engagement goes beyond business. They participate in local events, donate to agricultural education programs, and employ local youth, often FFA members, to help with evening cleanup. “It’s a plus to be in contact with them,” Tony says. “They’re good kids, and we trust them.”

Reflecting on their high school experiences, both Tony and Mark emphasize the importance of hard work and treating people well. “It’s the way you treat people,” Tony advises. “You want to treat people the way you want to be treated.” Mark adds, “Whatever path you choose, do your best. Don’t do it halfway.”

As they look to the future, the Hartriches remain committed to their core values of hard work, quality, and community. Their legacy is not just in the meat they process but in the relationships they build and the positive impact they have on the lives of those around them. Hartrich Meats is more than a business; it’s a testament to the enduring power of family, tradition, and community spirit fully present in Jasper County.