Our Story

Rabbit is the world's most underrated protein. It's leaner than chicken, more nutritious than beef, and more sustainable than almost any other meat source. And for pets with allergies and sensitivities, it's one of the most effective novel proteins available.

Our mission is simple: bring rabbit to more families across America. Whether you're a home cook discovering rabbit for the first time, a chef looking for a premium protein supplier, or a pet owner looking to enhance your animal's diet, Blue Ridge Rabbit is here for you.

Blue Ridge Rabbit Meat Co.

Blue Ridge Rabbit Meat Co. was founded in 2004 by South Carolina farmers Tyson and Julia Waddell. What started as a commitment to quality quickly grew into one of the most trusted rabbit meat suppliers in the country, serving home cooks, top chefs, and restaurants from New Orleans to New York City.

Tyson and Julia came to rabbit farming with a background in dairy, a world where animal care, nutrition, and consistency aren't optional. Those values shaped everything about how Blue Ridge Rabbit was built: clean feed, humane practices, no shortcuts, and a product that could stand up to the scrutiny of the country's finest kitchens.

Natural State Rabbit

In 2024, Blue Ridge Rabbit joined forces with Natural State Rabbit, an Arkansas institution that has been raising rabbits since 1911. NSR brings over a century of rabbit farming expertise, a USDA-inspected processing facility, and the capacity to serve a growing national customer base.

In August 2025, we consolidated our operations at NSR's facility in Arkansas, combining the best of both operations under one roof. Different roots. Shared values. Stronger together for the future of rabbit.