I spend a lot of time talking with families about beef.
Over the years, I’ve realized many of us believe things about our food simply because that’s what we’ve always been told.
Let’s look at five of the biggest myths I hear.
Myth #1: You Don’t Need to Know Who Raised Your Food
The Truth:
• Most people know where they bought their beef, but not who raised it.
• Food has become anonymous.
• Knowing your rancher means knowing how your food was raised.
• You deserve answers about your family’s food.
Myth #2: Ranchers Are Getting Rich From High Beef Prices
The Truth:
• Ranchers face the same inflation everyone else does.
• Fuel costs more.
• Equipment costs more.
• Land costs more.
• Processing costs more.
• Buying direct helps more of your food dollar stay with the ranch family.
Myth #3: The Grocery Store Has the Freshest Beef
The Truth:
• Most beef travels through a long supply chain.
• Cattle often change hands multiple times.
• Beef may travel hundreds or thousands of miles.
• Most consumers never know where it started.
• Buying direct shortens the distance between ranch and table.
Myth #4: Labels Tell You Everything You Need to Know
The Truth:
• Labels are designed to market food.
• Labels rarely tell the whole story.
• The most important question is: “Who raised it?”
• Real transparency comes from knowing your rancher.
• A relationship tells you more than a sticker.
Myth #5: You Need a Huge Freezer to Buy Beef Direct
The Truth:
• Many families start with a small bundle.
• A quarter beef takes less space than most people think.
• You don’t need a giant freezer.
• You don’t need to buy a year’s worth of beef.
• You simply need to start somewhere.
The Bottom Line
• Know your rancher.
• Know your food.
• Ask questions.
• Support local families.
• Feed your family with confidence.
That’s how food should work.
Healthy. Happy. Beef.
— RanchMama Shanen