The Origins of Connect Beef

Hey there, we’re Weston Svoboda and Kooper Jelinek, and we wanted to take a moment to share how Connect Beef came to be, from the ground up.

Our Roots in Agriculture

Weston: I grew up in a small Nebraska town, Burwell, with just 1,200 people. Farming and ranching weren’t just part of life—they were life. As a fifth-generation agriculturalist, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the land and the animals we care for. From a young age, I learned about the care, attention, and dedication required to raise cattle. But what stuck with me most was how important it was to be transparent about where our food came from.

Kooper: I’m from a similar small town, and like Weston, agriculture runs deep in my blood. I also grew up surrounded by the beef industry, and in high school, we were lucky enough to participate in Beef in Schools programs that really made me appreciate the quality of the beef we were raising. That experience planted the seed for something bigger: how we could get high-quality beef directly into the hands of people who truly appreciate it.

The Spark for Connect Beef

Weston: For years, I’ve been passionate about improving and protecting every aspect of the beef industry. But I felt there was something missing—a connection. Consumers had lost touch with the real story behind their food. That’s when Kooper and I decided to create Connect Beef. We wanted to build something that brought the best beef directly to people, and with transparency at its core.

Kooper: It wasn’t just about providing high-quality beef, it was about empowering people to be a part of the process. We wanted consumers to not only enjoy premium beef but to feel a sense of ownership in the journey, from pasture to plate. Every purchase is a chance to connect with American family farmers and support a system that prioritizes integrity and quality.

Making Beef Accessible, Together

Weston: One of our core beliefs is that farm-fresh, family foods shouldn’t be the exception, they should be the standard. So, when we started Connect Beef, we focused on making sure the beef we offer is accessible to everyone. But it’s not just about the product; it’s about creating a movement. When you buy from Connect Beef, you’re joining a community of people who believe in high-quality, responsibly raised beef. And you’re supporting American farmers who are committed to doing things the right way.

Kooper: We didn’t want to stop there. We wanted to involve people in the story of the beef they’re eating. That’s why we’ve set up a system where a portion of each sale goes to schools and charities. When you buy a Connect Beef box, you’re not only feeding your family, you’re feeding others, too.

Becoming Part of Something Bigger

Weston: We’re passionate about creating a world where people are actively engaged in the production of their food. We believe in transparency, we believe in supporting local, and we believe that the future of beef should be shared by everyone—producers and consumers alike.

Kooper: At the end of the day, Connect Beef isn’t just about selling meat. It’s about building a lasting connection with our community. We want you to feel like you’re part of this movement, not just a customer. It’s a partnership that brings the best beef to your table while strengthening the entire agricultural community.