The Merrill Brothers Serve Up Local Flavor and Quality Cuts at Rafter M Meats
- Mia Longoria
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
WILLCOX, Ariz. (SVL) — For food lovers who appreciate top-quality meats with local roots, Rafter M Meats in Willcox is a destination worth the drive. Owned and operated by Michael and his wife Jessica Merrill, the packing house continues to maintain its longstanding reputation for top-tier cuts, bold flavors, and dedication to keeping food local.
Located at 3266 N. Ft. Grant Road, Rafter M Meats operates out of one of the state’s oldest meat packing houses, dating back to 1955. For decades, the facility was owned and operated by the Harris family, who ran it as a second-generation business before retiring in 2022. Now, the Merrill family is keeping the tradition going. Michael's brother, Ryan, manages the business and oversees the daily operations.
"We were inspired to purchase the business because we believed in the key role that local meat processors play in making local raised and local processed meats available to the general public," said co-owner Michael Merrill. "There are very few custom meat processing plants in operation, and we, as a family, wanted to ensure that this crucial service remained available for Southern Arizona."
From thick-cut ribeyes to smoky baby back ribs, the shop’s fresh meat case is packed with mouthwatering options. Customers can choose from juicy sirloin and porterhouse steaks, beef burger patties, pork steaks, and tender pork chops. The Merrills also offer house-cured bacon in three artisan flavors: Whiskey Barrel, Applewood, and Mesquite.
Beyond the meat case, Rafter M Meats caters to culinary creativity with sliced-to-order cheeses, gourmet spices, and freshly harvested local potatoes—perfect accompaniments to any backyard cookout or family dinner. Even furry friends are covered with house-made dog food with raw ground beef with heart and liver without additives or fillers.
The business also offers custom processing and Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA)-inspected services, allowing local producers to legally sell their meats at restaurants, markets, and stores. As one of the few processors offering in-house service from farm to counter, Rafter M Meats delivers both fresh and local food.
The Merrills recently invested in a major remodel, installing upgraded refrigeration and freezer units, expanding processing capacity, and adding a digital order tracking system. An expanded retail lobby is in the works to showcase more of their curated products.
Rafter M Meats remains an active member of the community through supporting 4-H and FFA programs by purchasing livestock at local fairs and hosting educational demonstrations. Michael Merrill also serves on the board of the Willcox Chamber of Commerce.
Rafter M Meats holds frequent pop-up specials throughout the year, and they can meet you to pick up your order in Tucson, Sierra Vista, Sonoita and Safford. Call 520-384-2015 with questions about arrangements, large events, or custom processing options.
––Rafter M Meats is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the online butcher shop. 3266 N. Ft. Grant Rd, Willcox.
Market prices are subject to change
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