One Morning in Arma: Schroeder’s Butchering
Photos and story by Addie Hinterweger
Located on East Washington Street in downtown Arma, Kansas, Schroeder’s Butchering provides fresh meats ranging from beef, hogs, sausage, salami, and jerky. The residents of Arma and the surrounding four-states area return to Schroeder’s time and time again due to the business’ quality of service, palatable meat, and hard-working employees.
The most recent owner of the business is Dustin Gaymon, who has had ownership since August 2017.
“I learned everything I know from the guy before me,” Gaymon said. This ‘guy,’ also known as Mark Schroeder, holds the name of the business and was the original owner since 1986 when it was established.
The employees are very versatile in their abilities, as many can perform multiple, if not all, the steps required to go from an animal carcass to packaged meat in the hands of customers. For example, Dave Schmit of Arma primarily operated the meat grinder, but he also weighed and packaged the ground beef. Additionally, Tavis Allen of Pittsburg wraps the meat in plastic wrap before preparing for shipping. The process from start to finish requires time, patience, and precision.
The business has also won multiple awards for their time in operation. First, they have received two green ribbon awards from the Crawford County Fair for “Livestock Buyer.” These signify their placing in the annual competition. Next, the business has been added to the “Lucky the Traveling Pig” plaque both in the year 2019 and 2021. They’re also involved in the community by selling their products directly to stores like Ron’s Supermarket in Pittsburg and G&W Foods in Girard.
The COVID-19 pandemic also had an impact on the business, but not how one might think. Of course, like any other small business in the coronavirus era, they struggled with sanitation and decreases in demand, however there was one positive that came for Schroeder’s.
“Since the virus hit, we’ve seen a lot newer customers because they can’t get it anywhere else,” Gaymon said.
One customer said on Facebook, “Dustin and his team are the best this side of the Mississippi River.”
Overall, Schroeder’s Butchering provides friendly customer service, quality meats, and fulfills the need for butchering in the small town of Arma. The down-to-earth environment makes customers repeatedly purchase from the local business, whether through them directly or by going to the surrounding local supermarkets. The award-winning business proudly serves the community and takes pride in its product. Schroeder’s Butchering has been in business for over 36 years and has no plans of closing anytime soon.
