I think there’s something to the argument that the 4 big beef packers operate as a cartel/oligarchy, and this is driving up prices to the consumers. This also really sucks for cattlemen who get unfair prices. The ranchers aren’t making out like bandits here—the big 4 packers are.
I’ve started getting as much of our beef intake as possible from independent sources. You can even find some of this in the normal supermarkets, like Springer Hill grass fed ground beef—tastes better too. Supporting this sort of outfit supports the local ranchers and small independent packers. And it just seems to taste better.
Last edited: Jan 30, 2022