Where Agriculture meets Community
Connecting People, Agriculture and the Future of Food
At The Livestock Institute of Southern New England (TLI), we believe a strong local food system is built through education, connection, and collaboration. Our work brings together farmers, consumers, schools, community organizations, and food system partners to strengthen agriculture and increase understanding of where our food comes from.
Through Meatworks, our USDA-inspected processing facility, we provide essential services to local livestock producers while creating opportunities for the community to learn about livestock agriculture, meat processing, and the regional food system.
TLI welcomes schools, community groups, agricultural organizations, and interested members of the public to visit our facility for educational tours. These experiences provide a behind-the-scenes look at livestock processing, food safety, animal agriculture, and the journey from farm to finished product. Tours are designed to connect people with the farmers, businesses, and practices that support our local food system.
Throughout the year, TLI hosts educational programs, workshops, producer discussions, and community events focused on topics including livestock production, regenerative agriculture, whole animal utilization, food access, and the future of agriculture in Southern New England. Our annual Open House brings together farmers, families, neighbors, and community partners for a day of learning, connection, and celebration of local food.
We are proud to create opportunities for people of all ages to engage with agriculture, meet the people behind their food, and better understand the importance of a strong regional food system.
Whether you are a school, organization, farmer, or community member interested in learning more, we invite you to connect with us and be part of the conversation.
Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable food system for Southern New England.
When our local farms thrive, our communities do too.
At the Livestock Institute of Southern New England, we believe a strong regional food system supports the entire community, not just farmers. Through our work at Meatworks, we are building infrastructure, education, and partnerships that keep local farmland active, create meaningful jobs, and expand access to ethically raised, locally produced meat. Whether you are a parent seeking better food for your family, a school working to provide nutritious meals, or a neighbor who values open space and local resilience, our mission is rooted in shared community values and a commitment to strengthening the food system that connects us all.
🛒 A Retail Store That Brings It Home
- Affordable access to locally raised meat through our retail and wholesale channels ensures that families, restaurants, and businesses can enjoy fresh, nutritious, and responsibly produced food. Our retail store at Meatworks features high-quality local meats and gourmet products sourced directly from regional farmers and food makers, supporting a stronger local economy while connecting the community to the people and places behind their food.
🏫 TLI Meat the Need
- Distributing surplus meat to those in need improves food security, reduces waste, and strengthens community well-being.
🧑🌾 Meatworks Meat Processing Facility
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Humane, USDA-inspected meat processing at Meatworks benefits the community by providing safe, high-quality meat while directly supporting local producers and strengthening the regional economy. With a focus on humane handling practices and certified organic options, Meatworks works with more than 450 farmers annually and continues to grow its network of regional livestock producers. Our team is made up of local employees who build long-term careers in the facility, supported by a culture of pride, professionalism, and onsite peer-to-peer training that ensures skills are shared and continuously developed within the workforce.
🌍 A More Resilient Food System
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Strengthening local agriculture helps the community by keeping farms viable, creating jobs, and ensuring a steady supply of fresh, local food. These outcomes are all part of a broader effort to build a more resilient food system—one that can withstand disruptions, support local economies, and keep food production close to the people who depend on it.