CANYON CITY Once again, Russells Custom Meats and Deli has shown its winning ways.

Owner Tracy Moss won Reserve Grand Champion for both bone-in ham and pastrami, and honorable mention for roast beef, at the 2012 Northwest Meat Processors Association convention, held in Corvallis March 15-17.

Moss said theirs were among 123 entries in this years event. He also had a hand in the judging this year, overseeing the snack sticks category. His wife, Kathy, is president of the NMPA for 2012-2013.

The organization, which covers the four-state area of Oregon, Washington, Montana and Idaho, holds the competition every spring.

Moss announced changes Russells has made to its mobile butchering services from truck to trailer effective this month. Moss said Boyd Britton has remodeled the truck theyve been using so that it can ride atop a trailer towed behind a pickup.

They calculate that the new mode of transportation will be easier on gas costs for them, and for the ranchers.

Were trying to cut the cost on our end, and not put it on the rancher or raise the kill fee, Moss said.

The change also allows Moss and crew to bring their services to a wider area. Until now, theyve traveled as far as Spray and Unity, but now they plan to stretch their range to Fossil and Burns.

Ive seen that theres a need in Burns, Moss said, adding that they have a lot of walk-in customers who come up from the Burns area.

Being able to go that far will also help us keep people employed, Moss said.

The couple have owned the business since 2007. In addition to the meat-processing services, Russells has a full-service deli and dining area, offering all meat products made fresh on site. Hot items on the menu in Russells deli and dining area are a new German bologna and sausage dogs to-go.

Open hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. After Memorial Day weekend, Russells will also be open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays through the summer.

Russells Meats is at 235 N. Canyon City Blvd. in Canyon City, and can be reached at 541-575-0720.