Barzona_Bulletin_Summer_2020

Consumers Are Getting a Taste for Farm to Table

By Emily Stribling, BluePrint Media

Raising Quality Barzona Cattle for 46 years. Bulls & Females Available Two-Year-Old Bulls Available Now F & F Cattle Company With an understanding of the different inspection types vs. custom-exempt harvesting, you can search for a meat packing plant in your area that meets your needs.After you’ve selected a suitable packing plant, you need to consider labeling While the farm-to-table movement has been gaining popularity over the years for a multitude of reasons, it has been further amplified by a desire for individuals to “stock up” on food resources. I n the era of COVID-19, the “buy local” movement has become even more prevalent. As everyday staples such as meat prod- ucts appear to be in short supply at grocery stores, consum- ers are gaining further interest in buying directly from the source. While the farm-to-table movement has been gaining popularity over the years for a multitude of reasons, it has been further amplified by a desire for individuals to “stock up” on food resources. With an even greater demand for local beef, many producers are beginning to harvest and sell their products locally. Direct marketing your beef is a great opportunity to contribute to your local community and can be quite profitable; however, there are a few factors to consider before jumping in. Whether you’re a cow-calf producer feeding out a few of your calves to send to the local meat packing plant, a cattle feeder getting a meat processing license and harvesting animals on- site for sale, or any number of other combinations, the No. 1 place to start is understanding your state’s regulations on inspection and licensing.

for your products. All labels must be approved at the chosen establishment and be applied to the product there, as well. Understand that any product claims made on the label (ex. organic, grass fed, etc.) must be able to be proven. No other labels can be added later, so be aware of the plant’s labeling capabilities. You’re ready to sell your product! Now, where to begin? Direct marketing can seem intimidating, but you just have to be willing to put in the work. There’s no time like the present to get started selling your beef locally. The farm-to-table movement is in full force as consumers strive to support local businesses while also stocking their freezers. With proper planning and initiative, you can be prosperous while providing consumers with a unique, personal buying experience. For detailed tips about marketing your beef product, read our blog at www.blueprintma.com . BB

Weichman Feedyard, L.P.

We have more than 30 years’ experience finishing cattle and more than 10 years’ experience finishing Barzona cattle. We offer a value-based marketing systemwith a history of premiums for Barzona cattle. Give us a call (620) 874-5231

Mike & Pat Fitzgerald 130 Fitzgerald Lane, Mosquero, NM 87733 (575) 673-2346 ffcattleco@plateautel.net

4030 Highway 83 North Scott City, KS 67671

2 | BARZONA BULLETIN