Purchasing meat in bulk directly from Ontario farms and butchers provides many benefits compared to buying pre-packaged cuts from the grocery store. Buying locally-raised chicken, turkey, pork, fish or high-quality beef, can significantly lower the cost when ordered in bulk. You can also choose from a wide variety of customized cuts to stock up your freezer.
Cost Savings
Purchasing meat in bulk can lead to significant cost savings compared to buying individual cuts at the grocery store.
There are additional savings simply because you are purchasing such a large quantity at one time. It’s like buying in bulk at a warehouse store – the more you buy, the lower the per unit price.
In summary, buying meat in bulk directly from a farmer leads to lower prices and savings across all cuts from ground beef to ribeye steaks. The large quantity purchase nets wholesale pricing and added discounts that make buying meat more affordable.
Quality
When it comes to quality, purchasing bulk beef directly from local Ontario farms is the way to go. The beef comes from cattle that are 100% grass-fed and grain finished. Grass-fed beef is lower in fat, contains more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and has higher levels of antioxidants like vitamin E.
Additionally, local Ontario beef is raised without the use of added hormones or routine antibiotics. Hormones are sometimes used by industrial farms to promote faster growth rates in cattle. However, hormone-free beef is considered more natural and healthier. And beef from cattle raised without routine antibiotics helps reduce antibiotic resistance in humans. You can feel good knowing the bulk beef you purchase comes from cattle raised in a more ethical, sustainable manner without reliance on drugs.
So, when it comes to nutrient density, flavour, and ethical animal husbandry practices, local grass-fed Ontario beef really is a top-notch choice. You get excellent quality beef raised the old-fashioned way by multi-generational family farms right here in the province.
Support Local Farms
Purchasing bulk beef directly from local farmers and ranchers helps keep money in your community. When you buy from a local producer, 100% of your dollars go straight to that farm. This contrasts with buying beef from large grocery chains where only a small fraction of your money makes it back to the producer.
Supporting local beef producers helps sustain small family farms in your area. By purchasing a quarter or half beef, you are providing vital income to that farm. This enables them to stay in business, maintain their land, and continue supplying humanely raised, high-quality beef for your family and community. Local farms also hire local workers and use local services like veterinarians, creating a positive ripple effect through the rural economy.
So, when you opt for locally raised beef in bulk, you can take pride in knowing your food dollars make a real difference in supporting and preserving local agriculture in your region. It’s an investment in the health, heritage, and economic well-being of your community.
Sustainable
Buying meat from local farmers in Ontario not only supports the community but also promotes sustainability. By purchasing meat from local farmers, consumers are directly contributing to the local economy and helping to keep small-scale farming alive. Local farmers often prioritize sustainable practices, such as raising animals on pasture and using organic feed, which helps to reduce the environmental impact of meat production. Additionally, buying locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting meat long distances.
Supporting local farmers also ensures that consumers have access to high-quality, ethically-raised meat. Many local farmers prioritize animal welfare and use humane farming practices, which means that the meat they produce is often of a higher quality than mass-produced alternatives. By purchasing meat from local farmers, consumers can have peace of mind knowing that the animals were raised in a humane and healthy environment.
Food Security
Purchasing bulk beef directly from local Ontario farms helps strengthen food security. Food security means having reliable access to safe and nutritious food. When you buy beef in bulk from a local farm, you know exactly where your food is coming from. The beef is raised and processed right in your community, often within just a few hours drive of your home. This provides a level of food security, as you have a consistent and dependable source of high-quality protein. If there are ever shortages at the grocery store, supply chain disruptions, or other emergency situations, you can be confident you’ll still have access to locally-raised beef from the farm. This benefits individuals, families, and the broader community. Knowing the origins of your food brings peace of mind.
Storage/Freezing
Buying beef in bulk means you’ll need proper storage to keep it fresh until you’re ready to use it. Here are some tips for storing large quantities of beef:
- Invest in a standalone freezer if you don’t already have one. A deep freezer will maintain an ideal temperature for storing meat long-term. Make sure to keep it around 0°F. Few businesses like Farmway Foods offer Free Freezer, you can get in touch for more information.
- Keep an inventory of what’s in the freezer. Label bags with contents and date frozen so you know what needs to be used first.
- Rotate stock by moving older items to the front and newest to the back. This ensures the oldest portions get used first.
- Once thawed, frozen beef should be cooked within 2 days. Refreezing thawed meat can damage texture and moisture.
- For maximum freshness, use frozen beef within 1 year. Mark your calendar to use up existing stock before purchasing more.
- Keep freezer clean and organized to prevent buildup of ice crystals. This helps maintain proper air circulation.
Proper storage lets you get the most value out of buying beef in bulk. With the right freezing and inventory practices, you’ll have access to high-quality meat for months to come.
How to Buy Beef in Bulk
Buying bulk beef directly from local providers is simple and supports your local food system. The key is connecting directly with local providers to access high-quality bulk beef and support your community. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
