This ain't no petrified gristle your great-great-grandpappy gnawed on as he journeyed across the plains. We tossed out that salt-lickin' routine and ventured into flavor and innovation. A flavorvation. We’ve rounded up a posse of 13 kick-you-in-the-teeth flavors and paired them with the finest ground beef in the Heartland.

With more flavors than a trail cook’s chuck wagon…

In 2016, Mike Retherford decided to solve a problem he had long faced. Finding traditional jerky to be too tough to comfortably eat, and the quality of ground beef jerky on the market distinctly subpar, he decided to create a new kind of jerky - one that was tender, flavorful, and easy to eat. Before long, Mike began crafting delicious ground buffalo and deer meat jerky for his friends and family, and it was a hit.

Looking to expand and support area producers, he partnered with local cattle farmers to source premium beef for half-pound bags of ground beef jerky he would sell at the Mercer County Fair. This was the moment that began the next chapter in Retherford Jerky’s story. Mike walked the fairgrounds, sharing his passion with people, and in just 2 hours, he’d sold an incredible 30 pounds of jerky, leaving fairgoers raving about the flavor and tenderness. A spark was ignited, an idea took hold, and Retherford Jerky was officially born.

It wasn’t long before demand for our mouthwatering jerky grew. And as it did, so did the dream and, out of necessity, our operations. In 2022, we built a commercial facility, which has significantly increased production capacity, allowing us to deliver even more mouthwatering jerky to an established and still-growing audience.

Our slogan, “How do you want your meat jerked?” comes from our unique custom jerky services. You bring us your wild (processed) game, and we’ll turn it into your favorite jerky, Retherford-style! It’s crafted with the same care and attention to quality as the rest of our jerky. Your favorite wild game combined with your favorite Retherford flavor is a combination you can’t beat.

With 13 delicious flavors to choose from, there's something for everyone. Whether you prefer the sweet and savory taste of Maple Bacon, the absolute fire of Dragonfire, or the zesty kick of Cracked Pepper & Garlic, we've got you covered. We also offer classic flavors like Original and Teriyaki for those who appreciate a timeless taste.

So, the next time you're craving a satisfying and flavorful snack, reach for Retherford Jerky. It's the perfect way to fuel your day, whether you're hitting the trail, heading to the office, or simply relaxing at home.

OUR HISTORY