Learn how you can mitigate high beef prices during a shortage with these solutions.
The current 2024 beef shortage is a result of a huge drought that occurred last year, which led to many farmers reducing their herds in response to soaring hay prices. This reduction in cattle supply has caused beef prices to increase significantly.
To understand the beef shortage better, it's important to recognize the impact of the drought. Droughts can lead to a scarcity of water and food for cattle, making it difficult for farmers to sustain their herds.
For instance, Hay doesn't grow as well in a drought, and neither do most grain crops either. So the hay bales for sale are limited in number, which means that they cost more to buy. Most farmers supplement their resources with additional hay, especially over winter, which can be a very stressful time on a farm. In order to manage their resources and minimize losses, farmers often choose to reduce their herds during drought conditions.
Last year many farmers (especially the larger farms that supply grocery stores) have had to make the difficult decision to reduce their herds to cut costs and mitigate losses.
Overall, the beef shortage is a complex issue that stems from the combination of a drought and soaring feed prices. Understanding the underlying reasons for the shortage can help consumers navigate the high prices and make informed choices.
The most difficult part for consumers is that next year won't be much better. It is quite easy to reduce a herd, but much harder to build it back up to where it was before...
When facing high beef prices during a shortage, there are several tips that can help you make smart shopping decisions:
1. Compare prices: Take the time to compare prices across different grocery stores or online platforms. Prices may vary, and you might be able to find better deals or promotions at another store.
2. Buy in bulk: Consider buying larger quantities of beef to take advantage of bulk discounts. You can portion and freeze the meat for later use. There are many smaller farms that offer quarter and half cows available to purchase (a quarter is about 100 lbs. of meat for the freezer). Email me at info@moorepremiummeats.ca for a list of local producers in our area. We know quite a few amazing small farms that would love your support!
3. Look for alternative cuts: Explore different cuts of beef that may be more affordable. Sometimes less popular cuts can still be delicious when prepared properly. We recently tried beef cheek. It definitely took some fancy cooking, but it tasted quite good in the end.
4. Opt. for medium ground meat or less tender cuts: Medium ground meat often costs less than extra lean, and if you purchase from a good source, the fat can actually be a healthy addition in moderation. The less tender cuts are always more affordable, which is great if you are willing to put the time into trying new methods of cooking to tenderize them. They can still be wonderful, flavourful protein source.
5. Plan meals in advance: Planning your meals ahead of time can help you make efficient use of the beef you purchase. This reduces the chances of waste. We are learning this skill now, and I definitely wish that I practiced it when I was younger...before I had multiple mouths to feed. We are working on a healthy meal planning guide. We'll let you know when it is ready.
By following these tips, you can stretch your budget and make the most of the available beef during a shortage.
During a beef shortage, it's worth exploring alternative protein sources to supplement your diet. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Poultry: Chicken and turkey are versatile and can be a good option when you catch them on sale. They can be used in a variety of dishes as substitutes for beef (although the flavour changes).
2. Ostrich: The new beef option. Ostrich is a great option to enjoying during a beef shortage. It is a red meat that cooks up much like beef, and even has a beefy flavour with just a hint of sweetness at times. The ground meat is the perfect substitute for ground beef (you won't even notice the difference). The steaks are also wonderful and very lean. Ostriches are also less affected by drought than cattle operations.
Click here to explore this new protein source.
3. Pork: Pork is another protein-rich meat that can be used as an alternative protein. It offers a different flavor profile and can be prepared in various ways.. Try to purchase from smaller, sustainable, local producers to ensure the best quality of pork gets to your table.
4. Seafood: Incorporating seafood into your diet can provide a different source of protein. Fish, shrimp, and other seafood options can be healthy and flavorful alternatives.
5. Legumes: Beans, lentils, and other legumes are excellent plant-based protein sources. I personally wouldn't mind preparing some more Mexican food for our family's dinners occasionally.
By diversifying your protein sources, you can mitigate the impact of the beef shortage on your diet while still enjoying delicious and nutritious meals. You can enjoy beef and beef substitutes if you plan your meals out in advance.
When beef prices are high during a shortage, it's important to make the most of the beef you have. Here are some cooking strategies to help the less tender cuts fit the bill:
1. Marinating: Marinating beef can help tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. Choose marinades that complement the natural taste of the beef. We have some marinade ideas for you coming soon!
2. Slow cooking: Slow cooking methods, such as braising or stewing, can transform tougher cuts of beef into tender and flavorful dishes.
3. Pairing with flavorful ingredients: Incorporate ingredients like onions, garlic, mushrooms, or sauces to add depth and complexity to your beef dishes. You can also add a bit less beef if you add more vegetables, and you will be just as full as normal. :)
4. Make a gravy: A gravy is a great way to enjoy that beef flavour that you love on Mashed potatoes or other meatless dishes, and gravy is known to help keep people full after a meal. This is a win-win. During the great war, people took to making what they called meaty gravy...which was gravy with half of a regular meat serving mixed in. This practice helped to stretch the meal out to two separate dinners.
By using these cooking strategies, you can make every bite of beef count and ensure that you're getting the most flavor out of your meat. I can also be easy to make a ground beef meal with some of the substitutions that I mentioned above.
During a beef shortage, it's important to support local farmers and ranchers who have been affected by the drought and rising hay prices. Here are a few ways you can show your support:
1. Buy locally: Purchase beef directly from local farmers or farmers' markets. This helps them sustain their businesses and recover from the challenges they've had over the last year. They also offer a variety of beef cuts or a bulk buy option.
2. Join a CSA: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs allow you to receive a regular supply of fresh produce and meat directly from local farmers. By participating in a CSA, you can support local agriculture while enjoying high-quality beef.
3. Spread the word: Share information about the beef shortage and the importance of supporting local farmers with your friends, family, and community. Encourage others to make conscious choices when purchasing beef and other meats.
4. Explore farm-to-table restaurants: Visit restaurants that prioritize sourcing ingredients from local farmers and ranchers. By dining at these establishments, you contribute to the local economy and support sustainable farming practices.
By supporting local farmers and ranchers, you contribute to the resilience of the agricultural community and help ensure a sustainable future for everyone from the consumers to the farmers.
Click here to see our Ostrich meat.
Click here to email and ask for the list of local beef producers.
Thanks for your time! Hope you got some useful information from our article!
Sincerely,
Caley Moore - Moore Premium Meats Ostrich Farm