Lee Meyer Innovative livestock producers are developing markets for meat through direct local sales. If successful, this could be one of the key income alternatives for the tobacco situation. While farmers have traditionally sold whole hogs and beefsides to the neighbors, this style of marketing really does not fit current consumers lifestyles very well.
Fewer consumers have freezers.
Still, there is opportunity to develop both types of markets because some consumers still want to buy sides of beef or whole hog. There really is a lot to gain. There are some key advantages to this direct and local direct meat marketing system that will help both consumers and farmers. One is lower cost to consumers. By reducing some of the marketing costs, these can be shared among consumers and reduce their costs.