Weiss brothers Quintin and Parker have noticed an increase in farm to fork beefs sales. (Kevin Kyle/CHAT News)

By Jesse Gill

Alberta

‘Growing monthly as the cost of regular beef in stores kind of goes up’, farm to fork beef sales

Jan 9, 2024 | 2:43 PM

When a person thinks of buying beef, the first thought might be a trip to the local grocery story. A trend that continues to become more popular is buying straight from the producer.

Quintin and Parker Weiss own a cattle ranch just south of Medicine Hat running a commercial herd of 170 head, They also have a small full blood Wagyu herd.

The brothers says rising beef prices have lead to a higher demand for farm to fork beef right from their ranch. “I would say it’s kind of growing monthly as the cost of regular beef in stores kind of goes up,” said Quintin. “Consumers can kind of get a better price going through farm to fork and they’re getting a more superior product buying from us directly.”

This is one of their busier times of the year as the brothers say customers are looking to fill their freezers. Quintin said the cost of buying directly from producers varies depending on cut, quality and the finishing products.

Weiss’s brother Parker says beef prices are predicted to rise five to seven percent this year, so having beef in your freezer can save some of that cost.

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The Weiss brother use Brooks Meat Packers to process their meat which fits the provincial inspection requirements for them to sell their meat to consumers.

Deerview Meats is licenced to processes beef. Owner Perry Deering said the inspections assure the beef is healthy to consume and protect the customer. “Think if you’re gonna dish out three or $4,000 for a big fat steer, and all of a sudden you can’t consume that animal,” Deering said. “You’re not just gonna go away, smiling. That was an investment.”

Deering adds he has noticed a trend with those buying beef. He finds that they want to be assured that they are getting value and quality behind the price tag. “That’s where we’re seeing a lot more of the consumer wanting to go direct, they want to know how that animal was raised, and they want to know the nutrition behind the animal.”

Beef is a popular meat to purchase and keep in the freezer because of its wide range of uses from burgers, to steaks, roasts, sausages and more.

Quintin adds beef is something you could have on your plate every meal throughout the day.

He adds going farm to fork gives you a face to the person you are buying your beef from.