We’ve seen beef prices increase nationwide over the last few years. Much of that impact was because of COVID, but what continues to affect the industry today? Many ranchers are struggling with the high cost of feed, and extreme weather like drought or high heat add on that burden. That causes a ripple effect that impacts everyone down to the consumer. We know now is the best time to start buying from local farms like Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch to get the prices for your beef. We’ll break down the benefits in today’s blog, and encourage you to visit our website for more beef industry news. 

A Trend of Higher Production
Ranchers have been suffering from the high costs of supplies. Feed costs more, and shipping and transportation costs skyrocketed in the aftermath of COVID. If you’re eating beef imported from other countries, you’ll also be paying the high prices associated with bringing imports in either by truck or overseas.

What This Means for Ranchers
Because of these higher costs, ranchers have been pushing cattle ahead in the production time. That means they’re trying to alleviate costs by slaughtering early. While this helps production numbers and ensures there is not a nationwide shortage of beef, eventually the push in production will catch up to ranchers, meaning they won’t have a sufficient number of cattle ready to slaughter in order to meet their production needs. This will reduce supply while demand stays the same, causing an increase in price to the consumer. 

Shopping Local
The best way to get a lower price on high-quality beef is to purchase directly from your local farm. By cutting out the middleman, you’re purchasing without the markups of the store or transportation. When you shop our grass-fed beef, you’re getting our quality product straight from the source. 

We’re committed to keeping our prices reasonable at Dark Hammock and providing you with the best grass-fed beef. You can shop confidently knowing you’re purchasing from a local business, getting a great price, and supporting the local economy. To learn more about us and our history in the area, visit our website.