The Donaldson family has been raising cattle for three generations on farms along the Cumberland River. Located in the lush hills of Celina, Tennessee since 2012, they are continuing this legacy with D&D Meats Inc., a 300-acre family-owned and operated business dedicated to providing premium, locally produced beef. The Donaldsons have built their farm business on three pillars: wholesomeness, environmental consciousness, and serving the local market.
The Donaldsons do more than raise cattle—they oversee the entire life cycle of their cattle, from conception to plate. Their vertically integrated operation ensures that every cut of beef they sell comes from cattle raised, finished, and slaughtered on the Donaldson farm.
Cattle spend their days munching pastures and being moved from paddock to paddock across the farm. This is where the beef cattle spend a majority of their lives.
D&D cattle are finished with corn in an outdoor enclosure on the farm. Though the choice to finish with a corn-based diet is considered controversial by some, many consumers prefer corn-finished cattle because of the marbling of the meat.
Cattle are next processed on the farm at their USDA-certified processing facility. USDA-certified processing facilities are rare in this region, and it demonstrates the Donaldson’s commitment to controlling the entire lifecycle of their cattle.
Lastly, the Donaldsons personally deliver their products to retailers around Tennessee.
The proximity of all the processes reduces animal stress. Stress releases hormones in the body of the animal, and those hormones negatively impact the quality of the final meat product. John Donaldson and his sons are certified in low-stress animal handling. For the conscientious consumer, this means humane treatment of the animal during the slaughter process.
Controlling the entire cycle also ensures that water-friendly practices are used from start to finish. John Donaldson is quick to share that land and water stewardship is an essential part of D&D Meats Inc.’s success. Riparian buffers are used to prevent runoff into the Obey River, which runs along the property line, and rotational grazing ensures that pastures can experience healthy grass growth and soil regeneration. They also limit the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides, supplementing them with strategic application of cattle manure. This moves the farm toward a “closed loop” fertility system that minimizes waste.
River Friendly Farm Certified
In 2024, D&D Meats was certified as a River Friendly Farm by the Cumberland River Compact.
“When we built our establishment and wrote our business plan, we had three big objectives, three principles: locally produced, wholesome, and environmentally conscious.”
The River Friendly Farm certification program with the Cumberland River Compact recognizes farmers who are good stewards of water and land resources, connecting them with consumers who value a healthy environment. As a River Friendly Farm, D&D Meats Inc. ensures cleaner water, healthier soil, and a more resilient climate for the people and creatures living in the surrounding environment.
HEALTHY SOIL FOR HEALTHY WATERWAYS
The Donaldson family manages 300 acres with an emphasis on sustainability and soil health. By using cover crops, no-till methods for grain production, and rotational grazing, the farm keeps its valuable soil protected and stabilized by the roots of mature plants year-round. These practices significantly reduce soil erosion—increasing the farm’s productivity and protecting water quality. According to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), nearly 1,700 stream miles in the Cumberland River basin are impaired by siltation (an overabundance of loose sediment); soil can also carry other contaminants like animal waste or chemicals with it into waterways.
At D&D Meats, chemical fertilizers are used but kept to a minimum. The farm utilizes a nutrient management plan that serves to recycle manure, increase organic matter, prevent over-fertilization, and keep e-coli out of the river.
John Donaldson’s philosophy follows the “Three R’s of Nutrient Management Planning”:
- Right Rate: Ensuring precise application of nutrients.
- Right Time: Applying nutrients at the optimal time for crop absorption.
- Right Placement: Targeting the right areas to maximize efficiency and prevent contamination.
These practices not only protect waterways but also create richer, more fertile soils, leading to healthier crops and better grazing for their cattle. This harmonious relationship between the land and livestock ensures that D&D Meats Inc. isn’t just producing beef: they’re cultivating a system of sustainability.
For D&D Meats Inc. and the Donaldson family, farming is more than a business. It’s a legacy built on integrity, care, and a deep connection to the land. Their attention to detail and dedication to sustainable practices earned D&D Meats Inc. its River Friendly Farm certification.
Customers can purchase their products at the Franklin Farmers Market and will soon be able to purchase them through select retailers in Franklin. Customers are also encouraged to reach out to John and his family to set up a delivery point. Learn more at D&D Meats’ website.
