Unstable logistics in agriculture markets lead to ups and downs in retail pricing.
With goods and services being delayed and causing shortages, retail beef prices are having their ups and downs.
Supermarket prices are up!
Butcher beef prices are down slightly!
Here’s why: There are 4 big meat processors in the United States. Tyson Foods, JBS, National Beef & Cargill.
Each of these companies own multiple processing plants. During the past 24 months as bottle necks in both the world markets and in US markets have began to develop, the ability of these big 4 processors to process meat, has been compromised with severe slowdowns in work productivity.
There is a big difference in how the big 4 processors handle your beef verses how your butcher handles your beef.
The way in which your beef is processed will completely change how your beef tastes and is priced.
The big 4 do not have time or space to age your beef in the same way your local butcher can. There objective is to push through as many carcasses as possible each day.
What opportunities exist for you as a consumer?
- Check with your butcher to see what sales they may be running.
- Look in your local grocery store meat case and see what grade of beef your grocer will have on their shelves and compare prices to your local butcher. It won’t be dry-aged, but occasionally they have super good deals.
- Check with your local rancher and see what availability they have to arrange and send a steer to a butcher for you.
Right now there is a price advantage in the market to have your beef processed by a butcher.
If you have any questions reach out to us on messenger or use our contact page. We would be glad to help you navigate the beef market and fill your freezer.
If you have any questions reach out to us on messenger or use our contact page. We would be glad to help you navigate the beef market and fill your freezer.