This week, the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is wrapping up. The event hosted cattle exhibitors from across the nation and many types of vendors. Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Intern, Maci Carter, had the opportunity to talk to Cheryl Johnson of Stan’s Beef Jerky about her business and their experience at Cattlemen’s Congress.
“Stan started this about 50 plus years ago,” Johnson said. “He has done shows all over the United States. He’s got eight different flavors and we got different sizes of bags, and it’s all smoked.”
Johnson explained that the man in the company’s name, Stan, started this business over 50 years ago and is now 84. A friend of theirs, Tony, has since bought the business, but they still love to help and support.
“This is our first year here with Stan’s Beef Jerky,” Johnson said.
Being a vendor at Cattleman’s Congress is a new venture for the business, but not unfamiliar territory for the family. Johnson explained that they like to refer to themselves as “cattle people” and they were excited when the opportunity to sell their product at the show came up.
“We have four flavors that are a tender cut because we turn the eye of the round a kind of a different way,” Johnson said. “Then the old style is a little drier. That kind of beef jerky that people have ate in the past.”
Johnson said one of her favorite parts of the job is seeing how others really like their flavors. She explained they do things a little differently to make some tender cut flavors and some of the older style beef jerky.
“Stan’s is out of Yukon just right here by Oklahoma City,” Johnson said.
While lots of vendors came from far and wide, Stan’s is from our very own Yukon, Oklahoma. Johnson explained that Tony gets the beef from a ranch and it’s been in Yukon for many years.
“We have them in EZ Go stores here in Oklahoma,” Johnson said. “There’s vendors up in Tulsa and they’re just all over the United States.”
If you’re not able to stop into Cattlemen’s Congress to try Stan’s Beef Jerky for yourself, keep your eye open for them the next time you stop for gas.
