Field Notes From the Farm
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How to Throw a Summer Cookout That Everyone Remembers
Here’s how to throw a summer cookout that keeps everyone coming back for seconds—with a little help from Wilders.
Why We Do Farmers Markets (And Why They Matter)
Every week, you’ll find members of our team up early, packing coolers and loading up the truck to head to markets across North Carolina. From Raleigh to Wilmington and everywhere in between, we bring our 100% Wagyu beef, Berkshire pork, and a little piece of the farm straight to local communities.
But farmers markets aren’t just something we do for sales—they’re something we believe in. Here’s why:
1. Building connections with our customersAt a farmers market, there’s no middleman. It’s our team behind the table, having real conversations with the people buying our products. We get to answer questions, share recipe ideas, and tell the story of how our beef and pork are raised. That kind of connection matters—and it’s something you just can’t replicate online or in a grocery store.
2. Supporting the local food systemWhen you shop at a farmers market, you’re keeping your dollars in your community. You’re supporting farmers, bakers, makers, and small businesses who are passionate about what they do. It’s a local food system built on relationships, transparency, and trust—and we’re proud to be a part of it.
3. A commitment to transparencyBeing face-to-face with our customers keeps us accountable. Every week, we have the opportunity to stand behind our products and answer questions about how our animals are raised and how our meats are prepared. That transparency builds trust—and we’re committed to upholding it with every interaction.
Why it mattersIn today’s world, it’s easy to lose sight of where your food comes from. Farmers markets give people the chance to meet the folks behind their food, ask questions, and make informed choices. For us, they’re about more than sales—they’re about relationships, education, and doing our part to strengthen North Carolina’s local food scene.
So whether you’re a regular at the market or thinking about visiting for the first time—know that when you stop by our booth, it means something to us. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share what we do with you, one market at a time.
Wilders Joins the State Farmers Market Lineup in Raleigh, NC
WILD News: You Can Now Find Wilders at the NC State Farmers Market!
We’ve got big news for our Triangle friends and fans of premium local meats—Wilders is officially a vendor at the NC State Farmers Market in Raleigh!
As one of the largest and most visited farmers markets in the Southeast, the NC State Farmers Market has long been a destination for folks who value quality, freshness, and supporting local producers. And now, we're proud to be a part of it—bringing our 100% Full-blood Wagyu beef and heritage Berkshire pork to market multiple days a week.
Why It Matters
This is more than just a new location—it’s a new chapter for our team and a big step in our mission to make top-tier local meats more accessible across North Carolina. We’ve always believed the best food starts at the source, and now, our Raleigh-area customers have an easier way to shop directly from the farm. No shipping, no waiting—just swing by the market and stock up.
What You’ll Find at Our Booth
We're bringing a full spread of Wilders favorites to the market each week, including:🥩 100% Full-blood Wagyu steaks like Ribeye, NY Strip, Sirloin, and Chuck Eye🍔 Ground beef and Wagyu burger patties🌭 Sausages made from our premium beef and pork🥓 Heritage Berkshire pork cuts like chops, bacon, and brats🧢 Steak bites and farm swag
Whether you’re a seasoned grillmaster, a meal prep planner, or just someone who enjoys good food raised the right way, there’s something for everyone at our booth.
Meet the Team Behind the Beef
When you shop with us at the market, you're not just buying a product—you’re meeting the people who raise the animals, pack the orders, and believe in doing things the WILD way.
Our market team is passionate about what they do and always ready to help you find the right cut—whether you're planning a special dinner, stocking up for the week, or just curious to try something new.
Where & When to Find Us
📍 Location: NC State Farmers Market – 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC🗓️ Days: Thursday through Sunday🕙 Hours:– Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM– Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Come Shop the WILD Way
This launch is something we’ve been working toward for a long time, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with even more people who care about where their food comes from. Whether you’ve shopped with us online, at one of our Eastern NC stores, or this will be your first Wilders experience—we’re excited to meet you.
So grab your cooler, tell your foodie friends, and come by the NC State Farmers Market to taste the difference that starts on our farm in Turkey, NC. We’ll be there every week—and we’d love to see you there.
Support your local farmer. Fill your plate with purpose. StayWILD.
Wilders at the 2024 State Fair: Highlights & Recap!
The 2024 NC State Fair was a whirlwind of excitement, and Wilders was right in the middle of it all! This year marked our first time with a full 10.5-day booth in the Got To Be NC Pavilion inside the Dorton Arena, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience.One of the biggest highlights was getting to meet so many new faces. We love our North Carolina roots, and connecting with both locals and visitors from across the state was incredible! Whether people were discovering us for the first time or were longtime fans of our products, the conversations we had made each day great!We were thrilled to share over 35,000 beef and pork samples throughout the fair, giving fairgoers a small taste of our products. It was an incredible opportunity to introduce people to the flavors Wilders!Our team also had the privilege of participating in several cooking demonstrations. Partnering with chefs and culinary experts, we showcased the versatility of 100% Fullblood Wagyu and Berkshire pork in fun, creative ways, highlighting just how special these meats are.
This was an unforgettable experience for our team, spending the full 10.5 days at the NC State Fair. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, tried our samples, and connected with us! We are already looking forward to next year!
Experience the NC State Fair with Wilders
It’s that time of year again—the NC State Fair is back! We are so excited to be a part of one of North Carolina’s biggest fall traditions! From October 17-27, 2024, the fairgrounds in Raleigh will be buzzing with rides, games, live entertainment, and, of course, plenty of food and local flair. Whether you’ve been going for years or are visiting for the first time, the NC State Fair is an event that truly captures the heart of our state.
A Celebration of NC Tradition
The NC State Fair has been a beloved tradition for generations. It’s a place where people come together to celebrate everything that makes North Carolina special—our vibrant agricultural heritage, the talents of local artisans, and the sense of community that brings us all together. This year, we’re thrilled to be a part of the action! Wilders will be showcasing our premium 100% Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork in the Got to Be NC Agriculture Pavilion Building. We’ll be bringing the best of our farm straight to you, offering exclusive bundles, farm-fresh products, and even some tasty samples for you to try. We’re looking forward to meeting you, sharing our story, and celebrating this exciting time together!
What to Do at the NC State Fair
Aside from visiting our booth, there’s so much to explore at the fair! Whether you’re there for the thrill of the midway, the delicious fair food, or the incredible livestock exhibitions, the NC State Fair truly has it all:Rides & Games: From the Ferris wheel to roller coasters, the fair is filled with exciting rides for every thrill level!Fair Food: If you’ve never had a fried Oreo or a giant turkey leg, the fair is the place to indulge! But it’s not all fried—many local vendors offer fresh, North Carolina-made treats that highlight the best of our state’s cuisine.Livestock Shows: The agricultural roots of the fair run deep, and the livestock shows are a must-see. From cattle and pigs to chickens and goats, this is where North Carolina’s top farmers showcase their best.
Where to find us:
While you’re enjoying all the sights the fair has to offer, make sure to stop by our booth in the Got to Be NC Agriculture Pavilion Building. Whether you’re looking for delicious Wagyu steaks for your next cookout, holiday gift ideas, or just want to learn more about our farm, we’ll be there!
📅 October 17-27, 2024📍 Got to be NC Agriculture Pavilion, State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC
Announcing our 4th of July Hours and Wilders Popup Shop!
As we gear up to celebrate the stars and stripes this 4th of July, we want to ensure that your holiday plans are as smooth as possible! Whether you're looking to pick up last-minute barbecue essentials or planning a visit to one of our locations, we've got you covered with our special holiday hours! Stop by and take advantage of our 4th of July sale- we can't wait to see you!
GENERAL STORE HOLIDAY HOURS
We are excited to open the General Store in Turkey, NC for more hours during the week of the 4th! Come shop all your favorite meat and Wilders swag!Tuesday, 7/02 : 10:00am to 6:00pmWednesday, 7/03 : 10:00am to 6:00pmThursday, 7/04 : CLOSEDFriday, 7/05 : 2:00pm to 6:00pmSaturday, 7/06 : 8:00am to 2:00pm
PAPERCO POPUP SHOP
Join us for a great shopping experience at our popup shop during the Last Friday in Clayton event this Friday, June 28th! From 5:00pm to 7:00pm, stop by the Paperco to shop from our full collection of 100% Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork. Additionally, we will have Wilders SWAG for sale! Whether you're a local or just visiting, our popup offers the perfect opportunity to discover something special and get to know us better. Don't miss out on this exciting one-time event!
PAPERCO HOLIDAY HOURS
Our office in Clayton is open every weekday from 8:00am to 5:00pm! You can come in anytime to shop your favorite Wilders meat! We will operate on a normal schedule during this holiday week, but we will be closed on Thursday, July 4th!
If you can't make it to one of our in-person locations, remember you can always find your favorite cuts on wilders.com!
Wilders Pasture-Raised Meats Featured at the Flavors of the Carolinas Show 2023
Our Wilders' ladies had a great opportunity through Got To Be NC to participate in the 2023 Flavors of the Carolinas Show in Concord, NC at the end of February!
Jaclyn, Founder, and Danielle, Brand & Operations Manager, were in attendance with over 150 other exhibitors from across the state showcasing Wilders 100% Fullblood Wagyu Beef & Berkshire Pork. Each exhibitor had the chance to mingle and connect with retailers, distributors and restaurants from the Southeast.
Over 500 attendees worked their way through the exhibitor hall over the course of five hours. This was an invitation-only event, and allowed attendees to sample locally grown and made products from North Carolina. It was also a chance for exhibitors to educate retailers and restaurants on their products and discuss wholesale pricing.
Jaclyn and Danielle had a packed day with a lot of interaction, being the only exhibitor to showcase locally raised 100% Fullblood Wagyu beef! With the help of Wilders' favorite caterer, J-Top's BBQ Shop, the ladies were able to serve attendees samples of Wilders 100% Fullblood Wagyu teriyaki meatballs, Wilders 100% Fullblood Wagyu steak crostinis with goat cheese and chimichurri, and Wilders Berkshire pork chili!
We are grateful for the connections that were made at this event between the Wilders team and other local producers and retailers and food industry professionals. We are already counting down the days until the next Flavors of the Carolinas Show in 2024!
Got To Be NC Festival
Wilders will be at Got To Be NC!
Enjoy a fun-filled day with your family as you stroll through the best flavors and tastes North Carolina has to offer. The festival includes a variety of NC food and beverage vendors, rides, tractor parades, music, and more.
Wilders will be set up in the Jim Graham building all weekend. Stop by our booth in the Agri-Plaza to meet our farmers, learn why Wilders is special, and see the quality of our meats for yourself!
Friday: 12 - 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 8 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 6 PM
NC State Fairgrounds - Raleigh, NC
Can't make it but looking to buy Wilders pasture-raised meats? Check out our shop for all of your Wagyu and Angus beef, Berkshire pork, and pasture-raised chicken!