For the last several years, we've been getting most of our proteins direct from farmers and ranchers - initially, by buying large amounts at a time (e.g., a quarter or half of a cow, a half a pig), and more recently, joining a protein CSA in our area (where we get a share of the bounty over a year, including animals like chickens and lamb, and nuts as well).

The advantages are many, including price, knowing where your food is coming from, and supporting the local economy. Also, at least with the beef, you can decide how it gets butchered (specific cuts vs ground beef, etc). The downsides are quantities (we have a chest freezer, and it's definitely necessary), and that although you know what the animals are going to be, you don't always know how much and when.

Now, I'm in the Portland area, so this is certainly like an episode of Portlandia, but I'd bet it's an option in other places, too.