‘Foodcrafters’ focus camera on Whidbey Island

A crew from The Cooking Channel was in Coupeville last weekend to film for the new show, “Foodcrafters.”

Ron and Shelly Muzzall, fourth generation local farm owners, said the network will be spotlighting their all-natural, grass-fed beef.

“It’s great exposure for us, especially as we launch a new line of meat products this June,” said Ron.

The business is called the 3 Sisters Cattle Company and the farm’s 600-acres consists mostly of hay, pasture, cabbage and several hundred cows. The name was derived from the Muzzalls’ three daughters, Jessica, Jennifer and Roshel.

Until four years ago, the family was rooted in the dairy business, but decided they couldn’t survive in commodity agriculture on Whidbey unless they drastically changed their product.

“We wanted to stay here. This is home,” said Ron.

The Muzzalls eventually found a cost-effective way to butcher beef and sell products at local markets. According to the website, grass-fed beef is healthier and less fatty.

“This started as a college funding product for the girls but now it has a life of its own,” said Ron.

Ron said the filming lasted for two days. They were interviewed in the farm’s pasture and at the Coupeville Farmers Market, where the Muzzalls set up a stand.

“Foodcrafters” is said to uncover handmade food finds from across the nation and will begin airing May 31. It will be hosted by Aida Mollenkamp of the Food Network’s “Ask Aida” program.

Another film crew from the King 5 show “Northwest Backroads” was also on Whidbey last week for a food-related story. The crew interviewed the Oak Harbor High School culinary team and their mentor, restaurant owner Scott Fraser, for their second-place win at a national cooking contest.

Both segments are expected to air within the next few months.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.