Maine Player - Farm Fresh Meats

Recent world events have changed how consumers shop. Many looking to stock up on items have shifted their buying power to local producers. It seems sticker shock isn’t going away any time soon so for savvy steak (and more) shoppers the Shuckburghs at Stettler, AB decided to offer top quality Maine-cross beef.

Kevin and Christel, along with their kids, Faith and Cole, had seen quite a few farmers and ranchers selling beef off farm since the rules changed due to a lack of beef in the grocery stores at the beginning of COVID19. Cutting out the middle-man made sense, saved time and customers garnered a far superior product.

This began as a family venture, starting with an animal from Faith’s herd, with money raised going to her university fund. Shuckburghs had a lot of interest from former 4-H buyers that were looking to supplement their supply while they waited for the next 4-H sale and Maine-cross beef fit the bill.

If the topic of grass-fed versus grain-fed comes up, they have the answer. Shuckburghs educate inquirers on the small differences such as the fact that most of beef is grassfed, 4-H beef being grain-finished for more fat/marbling. The opportunity to teach about agriculture is welcomed by the family.

The top seller seems to be sirloin, but consumers want hamburger as well. Customers are coming from as far away as 200 km for Maine-cross beef.

Shuckburgh finds marketing is key. He notes it is important to get some out the door, once people taste Maine-cross beef, they love it and will be repeat customers. They often give a package of hamburger to try and shoppers always buy more. Getting people to share how much they loved it is important as well.

With BBQ season just around the corner, Shuckburghs are prepping to move more Maine-cross beef and enjoying the process.

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The Shuckburgh family with fave cow, Pudge. Faith has been cow savvy since Day one and has the herd backing her as she attends school to become a teacher.

Maine players - New column!

The recent story on “Food Less Travelled” brought up an interest in breeders showcasing their side businesses. If you have a side business you want featured, let us know about it, provide some pics and we’ll get you in. To those reading up on your fellow breeder, support and purchase their products, if and where you can.