According to USDA economists, during the pandemic, increases in meat prices were mostly the result of declining meat supply following the closures of some meatpacking plants. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service estimated that beef production in April 2020 was 20 percent lower than in April 2019.  These shortages forced consumers to purchase meats and produce locally. According the USA News, consumers purchased 50% to 100% more freezers over pre-pandemic year so they can store more food safely. This increase in demand for local meats provided a window of opportunity for beef producers to capture a higher profit by finishing beef and selling it as a locally grown product. Due to the numerous challenges facing producers including labeling, economics and processing the ANR agents in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties partnered with UK Beef and Ag Economics specialists to offer the “Freezer Beef Bootcamp” series. This 11 hour series consisted of four online sessions discussing nutrition, meat processing, marketing and economics. Of the 96 participants, 100% reported an increase of knowledge in balancing rations to finish freezer beef, gained a better understanding of the legalities surrounding selling freezer beef, and had the knowledge to price their product according to their input costs and be profitable. 

Follow up to Kenton County farmers, that attended Freezer Beef Bootcamp, resulted in two things all of them felt they now could do as a result of the class. All of them felt comfortable improving or even changing their finish method to ensure a quality carcass.  All these operators also learned how to calculate all input costs of producing freezer beef. Due to the proximity to a large marketplace here in northern Kentucky, coupled with a perfect fit for small herd operators, freezer beef production could continue as a strong revenue source for many Kenton County Farmers.