Where's the Beef? Economic and Legal Considerations for Direct Beef Sales

Justin Benavidez ( August, 2022 )

Summary

Many cattle producers are interested in trying a different marketing model where they sell their beef directly to the consumer. Incidentally, many consumers are interested in purchasing beef directly from the farm. Recent data showed that nearly 40 percent of United States (US) ranchers surveyed by AgriWebb’s State of the Global Farmer Survey indicated they sell at least some of their cattle directly to consumers. However, there are several key legal and economic issues that must be considered to successfully develop a direct-to-consumer beef sales business. This handbook offers an overview of these legal and economic issues. Specifically, this book will cover: identifying goals, how beef will be sold, finding an intended market, slaughter facility selection, labeling considerations and marketing claims, permitting requirements, liability protection, the cattle cycle and profit by sector, record keeping, enterprise selection, budgeting, price setting, storage, shipping, inventory management, benchmarking and evaluation, alternative enterprises, and risk management options for producers. In addition, the authors interviewed several producers engaging in various types of direct beef sale businesses in three states, packing plant owners, and state meat inspectors, all offering “real world” tips and insight.

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