The effects of coronavirus are felt in consumers and farmers alike.

 

The country, and the world, has felt the effects of this pandemic in more ways than many initially expected. In local neighborhoods and around the nation, people scrambled for toilet paper, clearing grocery store shelves. Now, some worry shoppers could see empty shelves in the meat departments as well, but for a different reason. 

 

In the early stages of the pandemic, several large meat-processing plants were forced to close because of illness. These closures created supply-chain issues and caused a massive bottleneck in the process. 

 

Visit Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch’s website for more information on what we’re doing to help solve the problem.

 

When meat processing plants close, the effects are twofold. Farmers who usually sell their cattle to large meat packers suddenly don’t have buyers for their meat. Even smaller farms that sell meat to local restaurants and hotels are facing the same fate, as businesses have been shut down or face reduced serving capabilities. On the other end of the chain, customers see a shortage at the stores because though there is meat, there is nobody to process it.

 

In addition to the problems brought on by a bottlenecked supply chain, U.S. farmers face other outside challenges. Brazil is one of the world’s largest beef producers, exporting upwards of $7.3 billion in fresh and industrialized beef in 2019 alone. In February, a 20-month ban on Brazilian beef imports into the U.S. was lifted, pulling even more demand from our farmers.

 

Plant closures not only lead to bare grocery stores shelves, but also higher prices for the meat that is available. Farmers are struggling to pay for additional feed for their animals with no end in sight as to when normal processing will resume.

 

Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch acknowledges that solution, and has been selling its grass-fed beef directly to the consumer. It’s processed through Chop-N-Block, and sold at prices you’ll find reasonable and great for your family. Eat healthy, support local businesses, and buy locally-raised beef.