Blue Ridge Meats in Middletown is a slaughter plant for pork, beef, lamb, goats, and deer.

President and co-owner Doug Aylestock attributes a busy summer season, that is normally slow, to the fact that people are raising more of their own food and bringing it to Blue Ridge Meats to process it.

"It doesn't matter what the economic downturn is, people have to eat," says Aylestock. "People are more health-conscious about what they're eating now, local product is a big deal, so it is a benefit to us....definitely," adds Aylestock.

Co-owner and vice president Lois Aylestock believes local residents want good, fresh, and clean food. Since distributors now list the country of origin on their product, people are learning where their meat is coming from.

"I really think folks are really starting to be more conscious about what they're eating," explains Lois. "Look at the health concerns, the weights of our kids, I think it is all about what we are eating," adds Lois.

"In a nutshell, when you go to the grocery store, one package of burger can end up being as many as 400 different animals...that's kind-of gross, isn't it?" questions Lois.

Blue Ridge Meats is also a drop-off for the Hunters for Hungry program, which donates deer meat to families in need.

"The hunters have enough and they like to hunt, so that extra can go to needy people, that's why we do Hunters for the Hungry," explains Aylestock. "I am a hunter myself and donate a lot of deer every year. I think that well probably see a lot more donated deer this year than we have in the past," adds Aylestock.

Last fall hunters and farmers would come to Blue Ridge Meats in Middletown to get animals processed and would get taxed for it, which then burdened the slaughter plant but its a different story this year.

Blue Ridge Meats co-owner Lois Aylestock says the company is still paying towards attorney fees, but a law has been passed.

Aylestock sums up the law saying farmers and hunters do not have to pay taxes on processing unless they are selling the meat for retail.

She adds that the law was passed thanks to the farm bureau, donations through clients and friends, and other local prominent people.

"Thanks to Ken Cuccinelli whose running for Attorney General right now. He was instrumental for getting the bill written as well as Delegate Athey here in Front Royal who was actually spear-heading it on his end, and Todd Gilbert who I believe is also running for re-election," says Lois Aylestock.

Until Governor Kaine put the bill into effect Blue Ridge Meats was still responsible for the sales tax. The owners are currently working with the commissioner of revenue to try to get back taxes and penalties taken care of.

To read the bill and information regarding legislation go to www.blueridgemeats.com.