wash11
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Yes, a coming beef shortage will have (possibly drastic) effects on pricing in the near future. Midwest feedlot buyers are already placing orders at livestock auctions nationwide to fill local voids, driving up yearling prices. That’s just the beginning. For those who like to research, hit the link below to see how inflation, fuel prices, droughts, overgrazing, and fires have produced a volatile cocktail for our food supply.
beef shortage 2024 - Google Search
What this means for folks: Higher prices and possibly longer wait times by early summer when ordering from your local ranchers. If buying from the grocery store or butcher shop, lower quality and higher prices can be expected. Rushing beef to market rarely gives proper time for good marbling. The local think tank (which convenes on neighboring porches) is forecasting $1600-1800 ¼ beef prices in the coming months. You’ll see more ranchers go to the “Ranchers Choice” ¼s to keep the appearance of low pricing. Basically, they’ll pull premium cuts out for individual sale and overall ¼ weight will drop by 20% or more. It’s a common model during price spikes, we’ve chosen to never go that route though. There’s no science involved in this conclusion, but a couple hundred years of combined cattle experience is hard to ignore.
What this means for you RDPers: Thankfully, Amy and I listened when the old-timers told us to buy more yearlings than we normally would last fall. (As I age, I do less talking and more listening. Something I wish I’d have learned in my twenties) For now, your supply is well stocked and we will always refuse to cut corners on the final few finishing months. You like a juicy steak and we like providing that. Our existing customers (VIPs) always go to the front of the line but RDP members are a close second. This will become more important than ever in the coming months as we expect needing to turn new customers away by mid-summer.
What we suggest: Stocking your freezer now is better than money in the bank if you plan on keeping beef in your diet. We usually suggest a ¼ beef to folks but have changed that to recommending a ½ beef if you have the freezer space (12-13 cu ft).
Current pricing:
¼ beef $1425
½ beef $2850
Add bones and offals for just $40 per ¼ (as of February 1st our butcher started charging us this fee for packaging, since you still get the actual meat for free it’s a heck of a bargain)
Scheduling:
Let us worry about that. Just tell us what you want and we’ll make arrangements to get it to you or meet for pickups. Below is a list of areas we will be in for home deliveries or to meet customers. Dates will depend on orders received.
Southern California
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Prescott
Bullhead City
Lake Havasu
Call or text Joel at 928-486-4043 for fastest replies to orders or questions. I’m a little slower on emails.
beef shortage 2024 - Google Search
What this means for folks: Higher prices and possibly longer wait times by early summer when ordering from your local ranchers. If buying from the grocery store or butcher shop, lower quality and higher prices can be expected. Rushing beef to market rarely gives proper time for good marbling. The local think tank (which convenes on neighboring porches) is forecasting $1600-1800 ¼ beef prices in the coming months. You’ll see more ranchers go to the “Ranchers Choice” ¼s to keep the appearance of low pricing. Basically, they’ll pull premium cuts out for individual sale and overall ¼ weight will drop by 20% or more. It’s a common model during price spikes, we’ve chosen to never go that route though. There’s no science involved in this conclusion, but a couple hundred years of combined cattle experience is hard to ignore.
What this means for you RDPers: Thankfully, Amy and I listened when the old-timers told us to buy more yearlings than we normally would last fall. (As I age, I do less talking and more listening. Something I wish I’d have learned in my twenties) For now, your supply is well stocked and we will always refuse to cut corners on the final few finishing months. You like a juicy steak and we like providing that. Our existing customers (VIPs) always go to the front of the line but RDP members are a close second. This will become more important than ever in the coming months as we expect needing to turn new customers away by mid-summer.
What we suggest: Stocking your freezer now is better than money in the bank if you plan on keeping beef in your diet. We usually suggest a ¼ beef to folks but have changed that to recommending a ½ beef if you have the freezer space (12-13 cu ft).
Current pricing:
¼ beef $1425
½ beef $2850
Add bones and offals for just $40 per ¼ (as of February 1st our butcher started charging us this fee for packaging, since you still get the actual meat for free it’s a heck of a bargain)
Scheduling:
Let us worry about that. Just tell us what you want and we’ll make arrangements to get it to you or meet for pickups. Below is a list of areas we will be in for home deliveries or to meet customers. Dates will depend on orders received.
Southern California
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Prescott
Bullhead City
Lake Havasu
Call or text Joel at 928-486-4043 for fastest replies to orders or questions. I’m a little slower on emails.
while it’s cheap! Day old angus/holstein drop bull calf just went up to 830.00 as of last week. So unless demand falls on its ass or feed drops the rising cost of beef will continue unfortunately.
