Northern Farmer

Today the sun finally came out after around a week of clouds. What a site to behold. This is one guy that can’t wait for spring to return.

This past year raising beef cattle was finally profitable. We’re at the high money part of the cycle and it sure was nice to catch up with the bills. It does get to me when some say that we’re making to much. The multi national meat packers are saying just that. I found this press release from the AMI, American Meat Institute, that says, well just read it…

“AMI Says Beef Prices Skyrocketing — According to analysis by USDA’s Economic Research Service, consumers are seeing the largest increase in beef prices since the 1970’s. Due to the increase in price, American Meat Institute spokesperson Janet Riley says low-income Americans are turning away from beef. Riley says the embargo on Canadian beef and litigation to maintain the border closure are behind the trend toward higher prices. “It’s time for these producers to stop focusing on their growing bank accounts and start focusing on the mothers and children that are struggling to afford beef.” The AMI represents the meat packing industry and says beef prices will continue to rise if the United States doesn’t resume live cattle trade with Canada.”

Now I not posting this about the Canadian situation, what I’m trying to say is they are accusing us, that we shouldn’t be focusing on our farms and ranches trying to stay afloat. Cheap food is our responsibility! Never mind that they want to show a good profit every quarter.

Does make me glad I’m starting to direct market our forage fed beef.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 2nd, 2005 at 7:47 pm and is filed under Northern Farmer. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.