Community-driven local food access
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
The Mission
The Livestock Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to addressing issues facing livestock farmers through educational programming and infrastructure improvements.
The Vision
The vision of the Livestock Institute is to create a sustainable and locally supported livestock system that helps farmers thrive and provides communities with responsibly produced food.
The Values
The Livestock Institute values sustainable farming, humane animal care, support for local farmers, community development, and providing safe, high-quality food through responsible livestock practices.
Why TLI is important:
Meatworks
Supports livestock producers across southern New England
Community-scale food infrastructure
Certified Humane Handling Facility
Certified Organic Facility
TLI Supports:
Small and Mid-Sized Farmers
Educational Workshops
Market Access Assistance
Local Food Infrastructure
Community Food Access
Animal Welfare Standards
Local Food Systems Promotion
The Regional Economy
Farm-to-Table Initiatives
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Our team at The Livestock Institute is passionate about advancing sustainable agriculture and supporting local farmers. Each member brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to humane practices.
Jane B Roggero
Development Manager and Community Engagement Coordinator
Mark LaBranche
Operations Manager
Frank Ashley
Board President
Michael Makuch
Clerk
Rita Higgins
Jessie Deelo
Cynthia Kozakiewicz
Vice President
Paul Schmidt
Treasurer
Meg Fergueson
Darrien Menedes
Our Journey Through the Years
Across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, there are more than 2,000 livestock farms which adds more than $200M to the regional economy. Learn our stories and achievements over the years that makes TLI who we are today.
'14
Foundation Laid
The Livestock Institute was founded as 501c3 with a mission to support and grow the local livestock farming community through education and market access.
'17
Launch of Meatworks
We introduced our USDA-Inspected slaughterhouse, for the processing needs to now over 950 farms.
'18
Expansion of Facilities
Expanded our facilities to include state-of-the-art meat processing services, enhancing our support for local farmers.
'22
Community Impact Award
Recognized for our significant contributions to the local farming community, receiving the prestigious Community Impact Award.
'24
A regional leader
TLI and Meatworks rebuilt the foundation of the organization, strengthening producer services and emerging as a leader in the regional food system and food hub network.
'26
Ever-expanding network
Expanded its impact by supporting regional farmer networks, while Retail Store continues providing essential processing services for local farmers and the community.
What Our Community Says
“I really appreciate this state-of-the-art facility and its accommodating staff. Trailering livestock has never been easier.”
– Suze Craig, Case Mill Farm, Westport, MA
“Working with individual farmers, the staff is totally engaged in high-quality customer service and humane treatment of the animals. They understand how important tracking animals through the facility is to ensure that every pound of my animal comes back with my farm name on it.”
– Ben Coerper, Wild Harmony Farm, Exeter, RI
“Clean, humane, knowledgeable, and very friendly and accommodating to our fast pace beef and pork business. More retail cuts to market at our farmstand. The packaging and labeling are very professional, makes meats even more marketable which means more clients and more profit. Thank you for everything.”
– Ann Marie Bouthillette, Blackbird Farm, Smithfield, RI
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support is crucial in helping us continue our mission of empowering local livestock farmers. By contributing to TLI, you are investing in sustainable agriculture and humane practices. Together, we can build a stronger community and ensure a better future for our farmers and their livestock.