How farmers can adapt to changing trends in meat consumption

North American consumers are increasingly diversifying their meat consumption. Beef used to be king, but people are now eating more chicken, pork and turkey than before. Here’s how small producers can take advantage of this trend.

Diversify production
Diversifying the types of meat your farm produces is likely to be advantageous. This is largely due to the increasing popularity of direct buying practices through venues like farmers’ markets, which provide small producers who can’t meet supermarket quotas with a lucrative alternative for selling their products.

Integrate side-businesses
It’s not always possible to rapidly modify your production practices. Fortunately, gradually introducing new animals to your farm opens up a number of interesting business opportunities. Consider setting up a petting zoo or opening your farm to visitors. These are easy to organize for those with small animal populations.

Raise specialty livestock
Raising specialty animals such as rabbits, elk and bison does more than diversify what your farm produces. It also increases public interest in your petting zoo and farm visits. Plus, these meats may prove to be highly lucrative to produce.

Consumers, in addition to diversifying their meat consumption, are increasingly valuing direct purchases and transparent production practices. This is a boon to small farmers, who are uniquely positioned to profit from this emerging trend.