Shop local.
Eat local.
Support local.
This word “local” is thrown around so much we tend to discard it like yesterdays newspaper. (Do people even read a newspaper anymore?)
Who are the people behind the word “local”?
What do our dollars support when we are buying local?
Local could be a geographical area, as in the local Willamette Valley or local could distinguish between our urban growth area and larger cities. It could just be the difference between here… and there.
Local could describe just one family, or multiple families in the same area, doing the same thing for the same purpose, toward the same goal.
Does local cost more?
If we were to add up the entire cost of raising one beef cow for our kitchen table, the cost would be astronomical and not at all feasible for the average family to enjoy. So how do big grocery stores offer meat at such low prices you ask? I’ll let you go down that rabbit hole yourself.
Not a pretty story. Especially for the cattle.
From start to finish, there is a relationship between the local farmer and the cattle. They know the ranchers voice, they follow him. There’s a symbiotic dance between the rancher and the catttle, and the way they respond, grow and nurture this relationship is second to none.
Local ranching isn’t so much about the end product as it is the process. More attention is paid to the health and welfare of each animal, so the quality of life is far better for Fern than it is for her commercial counterpart, cow #5484.
Our local rancher is present in each season, often bearing the elements, there is no day off. Each part of the process is done by the farmer himself, from procuring the land to support the herd, to growing food, feeding and watering, and being present during calf season facing life and death.
It is this relationship between cow and rancher that grows good meat. No stress on the cow means better quality meat on your plate.
Farm to table means exactly what it sounds like.
No middle man. Just you and the rancher.
When you are quoted the cost of a 1\4, 1/2 or whole beef, you are getting the price of what it cost to get that beef from the farm to your table
But there are a few costs that the farmer leaves out.
His time.
His mental and emotional investment.
His pride in his product.
His love for his land, home and family.
When we support and buy local, we support a family. A hard working family, that supports our community.
When we support and buy local, we are teaching the next generation that hard work pays off and it’s worth it.
When we support and buy local, we are supporting and investing in a sustainable ranching process that is good for us and the land.
If we were to consider all of the sacrifices made to put a meal on our table, we would pause a little longer and thank the good Lord for our local rancher.
See you at the Corner!
Great article!