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The Imbalance in the Beef Industry

written by

Blaine Ward

posted on

April 26, 2023

Written by:  Blaine Ward, Marketing Team / Blogger

Control and Greed in the Beef Industry

When you make a trip to the grocery store, you might notice several different brands of beef.  However, what you might not realize is that the majority of those brands have been bought up by four major beef companies.  The days of healthy competition amongst fellow beef producers at auction have been overtaken by control and greed.  The imbalance in control affects the rancher, the consumer, and everyone in between.  Although recent events in the past few years have brought more attention to this problem, this issue is nothing new.

Four Major Companies Control the Beef Industry

Back in 1921, the Packers and Stockyards Act was put in place to assure fair competition and safeguard farmers and ranchers.  Sadly, during the Reagan administration, the balance was lost again.  There are now four major companies that control the beef industry: Tyson, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef.  Due to this imbalance in control, about 40% of cattle ranchers have gone out of business.

Healthy Competition

Healthy competition consists of ranchers being able to take their cattle to auction while fellow farmers and ranchers bid against each other.  Due to the control taken by these four large companies, those competitive bids have been lost.  For some ranchers, the highest bid is all they will make for that year.  Lately, those prices haven't been enough for many ranchers to make it.

Actions Have Consequences

It wasn't until more recent years that this issue of control was made evident to the public.  When a Tyson plant in 2019 caught fire, the consequences to the market were immediate.  The same can be said for multiple meat closures due to the covid outbreaks.  During this time, they paid ranchers less and charged consumers more.  With only four major companies to process cattle, we become extremely dependent, and problems ensue.

A Family Legacy

In the past 50 years, about 40% of cattle ranchers have gone out of business.  Family legacies that were meant to be passed down are dying.  While the prices have hurt the consumers, there is no comparison to what toll this has taken on our cattle ranchers.  The long days, endless nights, and the gamble on whether they will make enough to take care of their own family, all while feeding your family.  Take a little time to watch the video How Four Companies Control the Beef Industry, and let us know your thoughts.  

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How to Buy Beef Directly From an Oklahoma Farmer

Welcome to Bachman Family Farms Thinking about buying beef directly from an Oklahoma farmer? At Bachman Family Farms, we believe purchasing meat from a local family farm should be simple, convenient, and transparent. You should know where your food comes from and feel confident about what you are bringing home. Our Oklahoma family farm offers Certified Grassfed beef along with pasture-raised chicken, pork, and lamb. Whether you are purchasing ground beef for everyday meals, steaks for a special dinner, or looking to stock your freezer, this guide explains how to buy beef directly from a farmer in Oklahoma and what to expect along the way. .bachman-intro{ background:#FFF6E6; border-left:6px solid #822C27; border-radius:8px; padding:30px; margin:40px 0; } .bachman-intro h2{ color:#822C27; margin:0 0 15px; font-size:30px; } .bachman-intro p{ color:#444; font-size:17px; line-height:1.8; margin-bottom:18px; } .bachman-intro p:last-child{ margin-bottom:0; } .bachman-intro a{ color:#822C27 !important; font-weight:700; text-decoration:none; } .bachman-intro a:hover{ text-decoration:underline; } How to Buy Beef Directly From an Oklahoma Farmer If you have ever searched for buy beef direct from farmer Oklahoma, you may have wondered how the process actually works. Do you need to purchase an entire cow? Can you order just a few steaks? How much freezer space do you need? Is buying directly from a farmer more complicated than shopping at the grocery store? The good news is that buying beef from an Oklahoma farm can be much simpler than you might think. Many family farms offer different purchasing options, allowing customers to choose what works best for their household, budget, and cooking habits. Here is a step-by-step guide to purchasing farm-raised beef directly from an Oklahoma farmer. Step 1: Find an Oklahoma Beef Farmer You Trust The first step is finding a local farm that offers the type of beef you want to purchase. Oklahoma has a long history of cattle ranching, and many farms raise beef for customers who want to purchase directly from the source. Start by looking for a farm that clearly explains how its cattle are raised, what they eat, and how customers can purchase meat. A good farm website should help you understand the products available and provide a way to contact the farmer if you have questions. What Should You Look for in an Oklahoma Beef Farm? Before placing an order, consider what matters most to your family. Where are the cattle raised? What do the cattle eat? Does the farm offer grass fed beef? Are any farming practices independently certified? Can you purchase individual cuts? Are beef bundles or bulk purchasing options available? How is the meat processed and packaged? What are the pickup or delivery options? Buying directly from a farmer gives you the opportunity to ask these questions before making a purchase. Step 2: Decide How Much Beef Your Family Needs One of the biggest misconceptions about buying beef directly from a farm is that you must purchase a whole cow. That is not always the case. Depending on the farm, you may be able to purchase individual cuts, smaller beef bundles, or larger bulk orders. The right amount depends on how often your family cooks beef, how much freezer space you have, and how much you want to spend at one time. Buying Individual Cuts of Beef If this is your first time purchasing beef directly from an Oklahoma farmer, individual cuts are often the easiest place to start. You can purchase the cuts your family already enjoys without committing to a large order. Popular options include: Ground beef for burgers, tacos, and pasta dishes Ribeye steaks for grilling Sirloin steaks for weeknight dinners Chuck roasts for slow cooking Brisket for smoking and barbecue Stew meat for soups and hearty meals Available cuts vary by farm and current inventory. Buying Beef Bundles From a Farmer Beef bundles can be a convenient middle ground between purchasing individual packages and buying a large quantity of beef. Depending on the farm, bundles may contain a combination of ground beef, steaks, roasts, and other cuts. This can be especially useful for families who want to plan several weeks of meals without purchasing a quarter or half beef. Buying a Quarter, Half, or Whole Beef Some Oklahoma cattle farms offer bulk beef purchasing, including quarter, half, or whole beef orders. These purchases usually involve a larger upfront cost and require additional freezer space. Before placing a bulk order, ask the farmer how pricing works, what cuts are included, and how much packaged meat you should expect to receive. Also confirm whether processing fees are included and whether you can customize your cuts. Not every farm offers bulk shares, so always verify current purchasing options before ordering. Step 3: Understand How Beef Pricing Works When you buy beef directly from an Oklahoma farmer, pricing may work differently depending on whether you purchase individual cuts or bulk beef. Individual cuts are generally priced by the package or pound. Bulk beef may be priced using live weight, hanging weight, or packaged take-home weight. Understanding the difference can help you compare offers accurately. What Is Hanging Weight? Hanging weight refers to the weight of the carcass after slaughter and initial dressing, before further cutting, trimming, and packaging. It is not the same as the amount of beef you will take home. Bones, excess fat, moisture loss, and trimming affect the final packaged weight. If a farm charges by hanging weight, ask for an estimated take-home yield and whether processing is included in the quoted price. What Is Take-Home Weight? Take-home weight is the amount of packaged beef you receive after processing. This is the weight that matters when planning freezer space and estimating how many meals your purchase may provide. The amount varies based on the animal, the cuts selected, whether bones are included, and how the meat is trimmed. Is Buying Beef Directly From a Farmer Cheaper? Buying directly from a farm is not automatically cheaper than purchasing meat at a grocery store. Pricing depends on the type of beef, the cuts included, farming practices, processing costs, and order size. A bulk order may provide value for families who regularly purchase a variety of cuts, while individual packages may be a better fit for households that only need a few meals at a time. The best way to compare costs is to understand exactly what you are purchasing rather than looking only at the advertised price per pound. Buy Beef Directly From Our Oklahoma Family Farm Bachman Family Farms offers Certified Grassfed beef and pasture-raised chicken, pork, and lamb from our Oklahoma family farm. Browse available ground beef, steaks, roasts, and other farm-raised meats through our online store. Shop Our Farm Store .bachman-mid-cta{ background:#822C27; border-radius:8px; padding:40px 30px; margin:50px 0; text-align:center; } .bachman-mid-cta h2{ color:#FFFFFF; font-size:30px; margin:0 0 15px; } .bachman-mid-cta p{ color:#FFFFFF; font-size:18px; line-height:1.8; max-width:800px; margin:0 auto 25px; } .bachman-mid-cta .bachman-cta-button{ display:inline-block; background:#FFF6E6; color:#822C27 !important; font-size:17px; font-weight:700; text-decoration:none; padding:14px 28px; border-radius:6px; transition:all .2s ease; } .bachman-mid-cta .bachman-cta-button:hover{ background:#FFFFFF; transform:translateY(-1px); } Step 4: Learn How the Cattle Are Raised One of the advantages of buying beef directly from a farmer is being able to learn about the farming practices behind your food. Different farms use different approaches to feeding cattle, managing pastures, and raising livestock. If those practices matter to your family, purchasing directly gives you the opportunity to ask specific questions. Grass Fed vs. Grain Finished Beef Cattle can be raised using different feeding systems. Grass fed beef comes from cattle raised on a forage-based diet, while grain-finished cattle receive grain during the finishing stage. When comparing farms, ask what the cattle eat throughout their lives rather than assuming all grass fed claims represent the same practices. At Bachman Family Farms, our beef is Certified Grassfed, providing customers with additional information about the standards behind our beef. Why Certifications Matter Certifications can provide an additional way to evaluate claims about farming practices. Independent certification programs establish standards and verification requirements for participating farms. If a farm advertises certified beef, ask which organization provides the certification and what the standards cover. This can help you make a more informed purchasing decision. Step 5: Browse Available Beef Cuts Once you have chosen a farm, the next step is selecting the beef you want to purchase. If the farm has an online store, you may be able to browse available products, compare cuts, and review current pricing from home. This is especially helpful if you are purchasing from a farm for the first time. Choose Beef Based on How Your Family Cooks Rather than purchasing cuts simply because they are popular, think about the meals you regularly prepare. If you cook tacos, spaghetti, burgers, or casseroles several times a week, ground beef may be the most practical option. If your family enjoys grilling, steaks may be a priority. For slow cooker meals, consider cuts such as chuck roast or other cuts suited to longer cooking times. Do Not Overlook Less Familiar Beef Cuts Buying directly from a farmer can also introduce you to cuts you may not regularly purchase at the grocery store. Depending on availability, these may include beef shank, short ribs, flat iron steak, soup bones, or other specialty cuts. Ask the farmer for preparation suggestions if you are unfamiliar with a particular cut. Step 6: Place Your Beef Order Once you know what you want, it is time to place your order. Some farms accept orders through an online store, while others may use phone calls, email, order forms, or direct communication with customers. The exact process depends on the farm. How to Buy Beef Online From an Oklahoma Farmer For farms with an online store, purchasing can be similar to other online shopping experiences. Start by reviewing the available products and selecting the cuts or quantities you want. Before completing your purchase, check the farm's current fulfillment options, estimated timing, and any order requirements. At Bachman Family Farms, customers can browse available products through our online farm store. What If the Beef You Want Is Sold Out? Farm inventory can change depending on processing schedules, seasonal demand, and customer orders. If a particular cut is unavailable, check back later or contact the farm to ask about future availability. You may also find another cut that works for the meal you are planning. Step 7: Confirm Pickup or Delivery Details Before placing your order, make sure you understand how you will receive your beef. Some farms offer scheduled pickup, designated delivery areas, shipping, or a combination of fulfillment methods. These options vary, so never assume that a farm offers statewide delivery or shipping without checking. Questions to Ask About Receiving Your Beef Is farm pickup available? Are pickup appointments required? Does the farm offer local delivery? What areas are eligible for delivery? Is shipping available? Will the meat arrive frozen? How should the beef be transported home? Confirming these details in advance can make your first order much easier. How to Transport Frozen Beef Home If you are picking up frozen beef, plan how you will keep it cold during transportation. For longer drives, an insulated cooler with sufficient ice or frozen gel packs can help maintain a safe temperature. Avoid leaving meat in a warm vehicle or allowing it to sit at room temperature for extended periods. Once you arrive home, place the beef in your refrigerator or freezer promptly. Step 8: Prepare Your Freezer Before receiving a large order, make sure you have enough freezer space available. A few individual packages may fit easily into your regular freezer, while larger purchases may require a dedicated chest or upright freezer. Organizing your freezer before your order arrives makes it easier to store everything properly. How Much Freezer Space Does Beef Require? The amount of freezer space needed depends on the quantity of packaged meat and how it is arranged. As a general planning estimate, one cubic foot of freezer space can accommodate approximately 30 to 40 pounds of packaged meat, although actual capacity varies. A large bulk order may require substantially more space than a typical refrigerator freezer provides. Ask your farmer for an estimated packaged weight before making a large purchase. How to Organize Your Beef Freezer Consider organizing beef by cut so you can quickly find what you need. Keep ground beef together, group steaks separately, and place roasts or slow-cooking cuts in another section. Label packages if necessary and use older purchases before newer ones. A simple freezer inventory can also help prevent forgotten packages from getting buried at the bottom. Step 9: Store Your Farm-Raised Beef Properly Proper storage helps protect the quality of the beef you purchase. Keep frozen beef at 0°F or below. For best quality, use frozen ground beef within approximately three to four months and frozen steaks or roasts within approximately four to twelve months. Beef kept continuously frozen at 0°F remains safe indefinitely, although flavor and texture can decline over time. How Should You Thaw Frozen Beef? The safest methods for thawing beef include thawing in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Refrigerator thawing is a convenient option when you can plan ahead. If thawing in cold water, keep the meat in leakproof packaging, change the water regularly, and cook it promptly after thawing. Meat thawed in the microwave should also be cooked immediately. Avoid thawing beef on the kitchen counter. Step 10: Enjoy Cooking Beef From an Oklahoma Farm Once your beef is home, you can begin incorporating it into your regular meals. You do not need complicated recipes or special cooking equipment to enjoy farm-raised beef. Start with familiar meals your family already loves. Easy Meals to Make With Farm-Raised Ground Beef Homemade hamburgers Ground beef tacos Spaghetti with meat sauce Beef and vegetable skillet meals Homemade chili Meatballs Beef casseroles Stuffed peppers Ground beef is a practical starting point because it works in so many everyday recipes. Cooking Grass Fed Steaks Grass fed beef can have different fat characteristics than grain-finished beef, depending on the cut and animal. A meat thermometer can help you avoid accidentally overcooking your steaks. For food safety, USDA guidance recommends cooking whole beef cuts to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F followed by a three-minute rest. Ground beef should reach 160°F. Slow Cooking Beef Roasts Chuck roast and other cuts containing more connective tissue are well suited to slow cooking. Cooking these cuts slowly with moisture allows connective tissue to soften and creates tender meat for family dinners. Leftover roast can also be used for sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls, and soups. Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Beef Directly From an Oklahoma Farmer Can I buy just a few pounds of beef from a farmer? Yes, many farms sell individual packages of ground beef, steaks, and roasts. Check the farm's current ordering options to see what quantities are available. Do I need a deep freezer to buy local beef? Not necessarily. Small orders can often fit in a standard refrigerator freezer. Larger bulk orders may require a dedicated freezer. Is all farm-raised beef grass fed? No. Farms use different feeding and finishing practices. Ask the farmer specifically what the cattle eat and whether any grass fed claims are independently certified. Can I order beef directly from a farmer online? Yes. Some Oklahoma farms have online stores where customers can browse and purchase available meat. Bachman Family Farms offers an online store at bachmanfamilyfarms.com/store. Is buying beef directly from a farmer worth it? That depends on your priorities. For families who value knowing where their food comes from, learning about farming practices, and supporting Oklahoma agriculture, buying directly from a farmer can be a worthwhile option. Can I ask the farmer questions before ordering? Absolutely. Asking questions is one of the advantages of buying directly from a local farm. You can learn more about the beef, available products, processing, and purchasing options before placing an order. Why Oklahoma Families Choose to Buy Beef Directly From Farmers For many families, purchasing directly from a farmer is about more than convenience. It is about understanding the source of their food and having a connection to the people who raise it. Buying directly can also support family farms and the local agricultural businesses they rely on. Rather than relying only on a package label, you have an opportunity to learn about the farm and ask questions about its practices. How Bachman Family Farms Makes Buying Local Beef Easier At Bachman Family Farms, we want Oklahoma families to have a convenient way to shop for farm-raised meat. Our online store allows customers to explore available Certified Grassfed beef and other pasture-raised meats. You can browse products, choose cuts that fit your household, and contact our farm if you have questions before ordering. Whether you are new to purchasing beef directly from a farmer or already prefer shopping locally, we want you to feel confident about where your food comes from. Ready to Buy Beef Directly From an Oklahoma Farmer? Buying beef directly from a farmer does not have to be complicated. Start by finding a farm you trust, deciding what cuts and quantities you need, understanding the pricing, and confirming how you will receive your order. You can begin with just a few packages of ground beef or steaks and explore additional options as you become more comfortable purchasing directly. If you are searching for a way to buy beef direct from a farmer in Oklahoma, Bachman Family Farms offers Certified Grassfed beef from our family farm. Visit our online store to see what is currently available and take the first step toward buying your beef directly from the source. Buy Farm-Raised Beef Directly From Bachman Family Farms Ready to purchase beef directly from an Oklahoma farmer? Browse Certified Grassfed beef, including available steaks, ground beef, roasts, and other cuts, along with our pasture-raised chicken, pork, and lamb. Shop our online farm store or contact us with questions about your order. Shop Our Products Contact the Farm .bachman-final-cta{ background:#FFF6E6; border:2px solid #822C27; border-radius:8px; padding:40px 30px; margin:50px 0 35px; text-align:center; } .bachman-final-cta h2{ color:#822C27; font-size:30px; margin:0 0 15px; } .bachman-final-cta p{ color:#444; font-size:18px; line-height:1.8; max-width:800px; margin:0 auto 25px; } .bachman-final-buttons{ display:flex; justify-content:center; gap:15px; flex-wrap:wrap; } .bachman-final-buttons a{ display:inline-block; background:#822C27; color:#FFFFFF !important; font-size:17px; font-weight:700; text-decoration:none; padding:14px 28px; border-radius:6px; transition:all .2s ease; } .bachman-final-buttons a:hover{ background:#64201D; transform:translateY(-1px); } Find Bachman Family Farms in Oklahoma Visit Bachman Family Farms or contact us before making the trip to confirm current farm pickup hours and availability. .bachman-map{ margin:40px 0; } .bachman-map h2{ color:#822C27; font-size:30px; margin:0 0 12px; } .bachman-map p{ color:#444; font-size:17px; line-height:1.8; margin-bottom:20px; } .bachman-map-frame{ overflow:hidden; border:2px solid #822C27; border-radius:8px; } @media (max-width:600px){ .bachman-intro, .bachman-mid-cta, .bachman-final-cta{ padding:25px 20px; } .bachman-intro h2, .bachman-mid-cta h2, .bachman-final-cta h2, .bachman-map h2{ font-size:25px; } .bachman-map-frame iframe{ height:350px; } }

Where to Buy Grass Fed Beef in Oklahoma

Looking for grass fed beef in Oklahoma? Discover where to buy local Oklahoma beef, what Certified Grassfed means, what to look for when choosing farm-raised beef, and how to order steaks, ground beef, roasts, beef bundles, and more directly from Bachman Family Farms.