In the last ten years, Oklahoma's local meat processing businesses have really grown, especially due to the changes from COVID-19. This has been great for farmers and ranchers, as more people want local beef.
Rewinding a bit, the state experienced a downturn in processing plants from the 1970s onwards. Yet, the recent pandemic-related market disruptions have revived smaller, local facilities. By the time 2020 was in full swing, these establishments were flooded with orders, and their calendars were full for months ahead.
This growth had its tough moments. Joel Jackson from Oklahoma State University pointed out that many new customers didn't know much about buying local meat. To help, they started teaching sessions for ranchers and buyers.
The ODAFF reports sustained interest in local processing facilities, reflecting a broader movement towards local food sourcing. The shift doesn't just cater to consumer preferences; it also fuels local economies, creating job avenues.
A good example is Outwest Farms, run by Jake Miller. When the pandemic hit, they changed their marketing to focus on local deliveries and talking directly to customers. Their story shows how important it is to adjust and pay attention to what the local community wants in today's food world.
Source : wisconsinagconnection