As Food Prices Surge, Oklahomans Take Their Business To Local Meat Providers

Supply chains are under a strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic and grocery stores across the country are facing food shortages.

Now, Oklahomans are looking for a new way to buy meat.

Jake Miller, farm manager of Outwest Farms in Cleveland said people are often used to shopping at the grocery store that local farmers are regularly forgotten. 

However, the pandemic is shifting this trend. Business has been steadily increasing for local farms.

"At the grocery store, many items will be out of stock like chicken and beef," Miller said. "You'll see extreme price changes, but with us, we don't have that problem. We have a local supply chain and processor."

Kris Gosney, co-owner of John's Farm in Fairview, said that's just one of the advantages of buying local.

"Knowing your farmer and your food source and being able to get it in these critical times," Gosney said. "That is extremely important." 

Customers like Scott and Brooke Bartlow, a couple from Edmond, made the switch.

They said the pandemic made them question their buying habits. Scott said it made him more mindful as a young family.

"People are always thinking about cost, but sometimes, you don't always think about both cost and quality,” Scott Bartlow said.

Brooke Bartlow said she never has to question whether there will be any meat in stock.

Earlier this year, President Biden unveiled a plan to use $1 billion in funding to support independent meat processors and ranchers. But Miller said local farmers like him won't receive that subsidy.

"They're only going to build more USA plants out in the country," Miller said. "But we don't need more plants. We just need funding for the USDA plants."

If you would like to read his full action plan for a more resilient meat and poultry supply chain, click here.