Tim Hoven from Hoven Farms said he sometimes sells 400 pounds of meat in a single purchase to families looking to fill their freezers. (Submitted by Tim Hoven). CBC News.
Tim Hoven, a cattle farmer near Red Deer, says consumers are purchasing beef in bulk directly from ranchers across the province. His family, deeply rooted in farming for over a century, offers various bundles, including the entire or half-cow packages, expertly cut and wrapped for families to store in their freezers.
Hoven notes an increase in customers opting for larger beef packages, attributing this shift to a slowing economy and the escalating cost of living. While he believes that fewer people are buying organic beef, those still in the market are choosing to purchase more significant quantities at once. This approach aims to enhance food security and mitigate potential spikes in beef prices.
Orders for a whole beef from Hoven's farm typically weigh around 400 pounds, priced at $5.55 per pound, plus processing costs. The direct-to-consumer beef sales model, although uncommon among farmers, is gaining traction due to growing consumer interest in knowing the origin of their food.
According to Sheila Hillmer, Vice-Chair of the Alberta Beef Producers, establishing a small meat-processing facility from scratch is a substantial investment, and compliance with government inspection standards is crucial. She acknowledges the challenges, citing labor shortages and the niche nature of the market. Many cattle producers in Alberta are already grappling with challenging times and financial pressures exacerbated by drought conditions, leading to herd downsizing.
Despite industry challenges, Hillmer notes a burgeoning demand for direct-to-consumer beef. She hopes more ranchers can tap into this growing interest, emphasizing the increasing preference among consumers to understand the source of their food rather than relying solely on store-bought options.
Barry Doerksen, owner of Gemstone Grass Fed Beef, also witnesses heightened demand for bulk beef orders. The family-owned slaughterhouse in Brooks, Alta., processes meat for Gemstone Grass Fed Beef. Customers who once ordered smaller amounts, like 15 pounds of ground beef, are now opting for more substantial quantities, such as 60 or 90 pounds. Half-cow or quarter-cow packages constitute around 20% of the farm's total sales, and the business is booking orders several months in advance, indicating sustained demand without signs of decline.
