The direct benefits are many. Rural communities such as Hardee County benefit from beef cattle production in many ways. These operations provide jobs, create safe spaces for wildlife, and serve

as areas where opportunities are created with low inputs from their caretakers. Supporting a Florida beef cattle producer can have a significant ripple effect on the local economy. This trickle-down effect can benefit various industries and individuals within the community. It could be positively affecting your family without us even knowing it!

Direct Economic Benefits

Of course, there is a direct benefit to farming and ranching families

Our producers need to make good decisions to be able to sustain the lifestyle they chose to follow.  To be successful, our cattlemen and cattlewomen need to be knowledgeable about: smart agriculture practice implementation, animal husbandry, soil science, wildlife ecology, weed science, law, marketing and many other subject matters. So, the next time you see your neighbor the cattle rancher, tip your hat to him/her.

What about the feedstore guys?

Local beef cattle producers often purchase feed from nearby suppliers. Increased demand for beef can drive demand for feed. When you support your local agricultural businesses, you contribute to the creation and viability of local jobs. When you purchase beef directly from your cattle producer, you are also increasing the business volume of the local feedstores. More beef fed means more feed sold. This results in more profitable businesses.

Don’t forget about the livestock Auction Markets

Livestock auction markets play a crucial role in connecting producers with buyers. When you, the local consumer, purchase beef from your local operator, you are increasing the demand for cattle. If there is sufficient demand for local beef, the operator will need to increase his/her herd-size. Increased beef production can lead to higher activity at local auction markets, benefiting market operators and related businesses such as transportation and auctioneering services.

Indirect Economic Benefits

Supporting local beef can stimulate the growth of local food processing and distribution businesses. Your decisions could mean the creation of businesses that benefit our whole community. This could include meat processing plants, butcher shops, and grocery stores that prioritize specialty local products.

Local restaurants and food service establishments that feature local beef on their menus can attract customers seeking quality, sustainable, and locally sourced food. This can boost business for these establishments and contribute to the local tourism industry.

Supporting our local beef production can also indirectly benefit related industries such as veterinary services, equipment suppliers, and other agricultural services.

A win-win situation for all

Supporting local beef can contribute to job growth and economic stability within our community. By supporting our local beef production, our community can strengthen its food security and

reduce reliance on imported products, boosting quality, lowering transportation costs, and keeping your dollars local. This can help ensure a reliable supply for many years to come. All beef cattle producers I know care about the environment. They take great pride in keeping green spaces productive, and ensuring they use the best approaches to solve complex problems such as dealing with weeds, reducing pesticide use, and investing in animal health. Adopting sustainable farming practices such as rotational grazing and applying fertilizer at the recommended rates dictated by soil analysis, greatly helps reduce nutrient pollution. When you support your local beef industry, you can help promote sustainable agriculture and protect natural resources.

In conclusion, supporting local Florida beef cattle production can have a significant positive impact on the local economy. By choosing to consume locally sourced beef, individuals can contribute to the success of local businesses, support local farmers, and help strengthen the community. I will leave you with this quote: “Once in your life you may need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, and a preacher but every day, three times a day, you need a farmer” – Brenda Shoepp, Inspirational speaker. Choose wisely. Support your local beef cattle producer.

If you need more information on the benefits of purchasing local beef, please give us a call at 863-773-2164, or come by the UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County office. We are located at 507 Civic Center Drive, Wauchula FL 33873.

Learn more about this topic:

• Pasture to Plate – Purchasing Meat Directly from Local Producers | Panhandle Agriculture (ufl.edu)
• Why Buy Local? – UF/IFAS Extension Marion County (ufl.edu)
• Is Local Beef More Sustainable? | Oklahoma State University (okstate.edu)
• Advantages of Marketing Your Beef Directly (psu.edu)
• Beef Production for Small Farms: An Overview | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)

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