Those of us on the meat production side of agriculture have been thrown a curve ball over the last year by the federally mandated production of ethanol. The historic corn price discovery, dictated by supply and demand, has been replaced by a highly subsidized ethanol industry whose appetite for corn and ability to bid the price up has resulted in record high corn (and rest of the feed commodities) prices. These prices are only to be replaced with higher record prices every time the government opens its mouth.

To say that those of us in meat production are having a difficult time competing with ethanol would be a huge understatement! There has always been price swings in agriculture, and sometimes those swings could be pretty wild, but over time, the markets would correct, stabilize and establish a trading range allowing users to predict production costs and the ability to lock in those prices over a period of time giving stability to our pricing structure. Historically, CBB has used these tools to keep our prices constant, only having two price increases since we started our program.

Over time, the end result of making the energy dollar compete with the food dollar will result in higher food prices. The United States has enjoyed cheap food for generations, especially when compared to other industrialized nations. Nobody really knows what is going to happen as we are sailing in uncharted water. We at CBB think our production costs are going to be high for at least the next 18 months. We're optimistic that there may be some relief after that. But recognize this is an extremely complicated equation affected by multiple factors including federal policy, weather, global interaction, to name a few.

Unfortunately, CBB is going to have to pass on these higher costs. We recognize that not everyone will be able to participate and we regret that. Our cowboy math, (subsequently confirmed by our accountant) shows us that if we sell for less than our production cost, we will not survive for long.
 We are still committed to the high standards and quality of product that we offer to our customers without cutting corners.

Some of our customers have requested the opportunity to tour the ranch. Certain times of the year are better and more enjoyable for the visitors than other times. We have decided that in the interest of scheduling, we will set up three or four dates/days that will work for us and will post the dates on the website and/or newsletter.

If you are interested in participating in a ranch tour, you can call or email the number of people, name, phone number, and preferred date. We will post the dates closer to springtime.

Early Summer Tour: TBA

Call 303-449-8632 to signup.

If weather does not cooperate, we will reschedule.

We still may need to be flexible with the dates even after we post them- due to weather, etc.

Have you read the labels on the beef packages in the grocery stores, lately?
I recently saw a new label in the meat case of one of America's super duper stores a label indicating the beef product contained beef and solution. What is in the solution?

What's up with labels?
Labels usually describe an item or what it contains. Sometimes it is a warranty (i.e. Do Not put this plastic bag over your head.  Do Not operate heavy machinery after taking these sleeping pills, or an old favorite - DO NOT REMOVE THIS MATTRESS LABEL.

How can some labels be SO ridiculous and over-state common sense and the obvious, and others be so vague?

Read More...

Hamburger!  A blue collar beef that is the most widely consumed and flexible of all beef products, and perhaps the most overlooked ingredient in many meals. 
I know I took hamburger for granted, that is, until I learned not to try to feed my kids hamburgers from concession stands at various events.  You know, the burger that, complete with binders and added ingredients, inspires the use of condiments. My kids just think it tastes "weird" and won't eat it, providing for subsequent crankiness and questionable enjoyment of said event.

Colorado's Best Beef hamburger:  Our hamburger comes only from animals designated for our program (no old cows).  A package of CBB's burger contains meat only from one animal, no blending of many animals.

We get many compliments on our products here, but the most surprising to me is the feedback regarding hamburger.  "Tastes great - no grease in the skillet".  "More like ground steak than ground beef." 

These are the rambling thoughts on topics that concern natural beef producers.

Take care, Brian and 
The Ferris and Elliott families of Colorado's Best Beef Company