This article is a paid sponsorship with Alberta Beef Producers.
Since being diagnosed with Diabetic Gastroparesis eating red meat has become a treat for our family that we only do every so often. Since my diagnosis, I have lamented on more than one occasion that I’m not able to enjoy the meals I used to as often as I’d like. That makes it even more important for our family that when we do get to enjoy a burger, ribs, or a nice steak that it’s locally sourced from a reputable source.
As everyone is aware, COVID-19 has hit all businesses hard and local cattle ranchers are no different. The executive vice-president of the Canadian Cattlemen Association estimates the cattle industry is operating at about 35-40 per cent of normal.
In partnership with the Alberta Beef Producers, I spoke with Wayne Hanson at Your Local Ranch Ltd. about how COVID has affected them and how Albertans can help support their industry.
“(First) We would love to thank our customers for all their support and understanding through these tough times. Keep safe, stay healthy and be kind,” said Hanson.
How has COVID-19 affected your business?
Because we are a vertically integrated Ranch and butcher shop it has actually increased our meat sales. There have been challenges though, It has made it challenging to find space to have our cattle killed for us to butcher.
Have you had to change any aspect of your business because of COVID-19?
Yes, we have implemented COVID measures in our meat shop to decrease the threat of contracting the virus for us and our customers.
What measures do you guys put in place to be stewards of the land you own?
We believe it is beneficial to take only a portion from our land of its potential to give. Which leaves our land richer each year. We do this by limiting our cattle grazing by stocking 50% of its potential. On our (corporate) ground we graze the residue throughout the winter turning the wasted forage into cattle feed. Which reduces our carbon footprint. Our philosophy is we are just the custodians of our land, trying to leave it better for each generation to follow.
How can people support ranchers?
You can support ranchers by buying local and being educated on where your products are coming from and how they are being produced. Shop local and support the people in your area.
Shop Local
So when you’re firing up the grill this summer for burgers with the family, how can you help support the more than 18,000 cattle producers?
You can buy directly from ranchers like Wayne, or you can shop at local Calgary Co-op stores that supply a wide range of local products including beef. You can shop at local farmer’s markets, visit a local butcher or visit Alberta Beef for more information and a large library of educational resources.
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