Buying Local Has Gone To The Cows

It’s no secret that summer months and farmers markets just go together in the South. All across Alabama on Saturday mornings you can find local farmers taking their produce to sell at local farmers markets. Typically you see assorted fruits and vegetables. You can usually find honey and soaps and flowers as well. One new product, however, has made its way into the southern farmers market scene.

 

Local farmers have started bringing fresh meats to sell. Beef, lamb, various pork products and poultry are becoming more common in Alabama farmers markets these days. A growing interest in shop local, buy local and organic eating has sparked this change. Henry Dorough, a regional animal science agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, shared a few of his thoughts on the topic.

 

 

“A common misnomer people have is that locally raised farm products are automatically safer and healthier,” Dorough said. “The nutrition and health benefits also seem consistent between store bought beef and beef bought straight from the farmer.

 

 

In order for a farmer to sell his beef under the label of retail, it must be inspected. To be sold within state lines, it must undergo a state inspection. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must inspect the beef if it is sold across state lines.

 

Beef bought directly from a farmer will typically be somewhat higher in price than what you would purchase at grocery store. The price difference comes because a farmer typically is not selling as large of quantities of beef as grocery stores.

 

However, Dorough said, “Consumers tend to believe that the supposed organic value is worth the extra cost.” Most consumers, however are not as concerned with buying organic as they are knowing their food comes from someone with whom they can identify–someone local. Knowing where your product comes from and having a relationship with the producer usually leads to a higher price tag with any product and consumers are willing to pay that price.”

 

Dorough points out that the major benefit consumers receive from shopping locally for beef is being able to see where you are getting your product. Consumers have the ability to meet the farmer face-to-face and make a connection at the farmers market. This allows consumers to build their own opinions on the product.