Locker plant gears up for busy deer processing season

By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

Mills Locker Plant is more than just a butcher shop, with small-town values and big-time quality, the meat market is more like family in the New York Mills community. That’s doubly true for Jeremiah Critt and his daughter, Hailey, who both work at the Locker Plant for Whitman and Amanda Briard.

The two have worked with each other for the past three years, since Hailey joined the team, and Jeremiah has been a part of the Mills Locker Plant for the past 10 years. Hailey has learned much of her position from her dad, who overlooks packaging. Work varies between packaging burger, deboning, and other needed tasks.

Father and daughter enjoy a camaraderie that’s shared between members of the Locker Plant team, but especially enjoying keeping each other on their toes.

“I prank her all the time,” said Jeremiah.

“Yeah, he pranks me and I like to tease him,” said Hailey. “Sometimes we throw stuff at each other, fat and grease balls,” they both laughed.

The whole team at the Mills Locker Plant treat each other as family and enjoy spending time working together as a whole.

“I love it, it’s fun,” said Hailey of working with her dad. “You can have fun and work at the same time. You can enjoy coming to work, not everything has to be so serious.”

“It’s nice,” agreed Jeremiah. “I get to spend time with my kid. (Briards) are really good to us workers too.”

After their favorite aspect of their jobs at the Mills Locker Plant, they both agreed that tasting the sausage and other delicious creations are high up on their list. 

Amanda Briard explained that they have several best sellers for sale at the store year-round including smoked pork chops, a wide variety of brats, bacon which brings people from all over, and a new fan favorite, pepper jack jalapeño bologna.

“That’s been a big hit,” said Amanda. “Sandwich meat with an extra kick.”

With rifle season on the doorstep, Mills Locker Plant will be open during their regular hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays, as well as having extended hours for deer processing. Deer hunters are encouraged to call the store at (218) 385-2875 for the extended hours.

“We’re here all nine days of deer season for drop-off,” said Whitman Briard.

With between six to eight regular employees during the year, the Mills Locker Plant staff remains a tight-knit team and has carried that camaraderie since the Briard’s bought the place in 2000. This past summer, the Locker Plant celebrated 25 years in business.

“We all become family, whether we’re related or not,” said Amanda.