New Year, New Problem
Have you ever noticed that as soon as you think you have something figured out, life reminds you that you are NOT in control? 2023 has already thrown us a curve ball! We have been raising birds for 12+ years, and selling to consumers for almost 4. I like my routine, my hatchery, my feed choice, my market space and my processor. Especially my processor, I am really picky about meat. (Remember the younger me wearing sandwich bag gloves!)
You Don’t Get Anything that You Don’t Work Hard For
I know how to get to my processor with minimal time spent lost in the countryside, I like the people, the products are great and the packaging is to my standard. They overlook my quirks about how I want the products done. However, like every other business, they have their challenges and in service-based companies, those challenges are inevitably handed down.
Now you may be thinking, geez she is already planning the entire year! Because of so few poultry processors in the state, I have to. Instead of focusing on Christmas in December, I was planning an entire year of hatchery shipments, calculating estimated processing dates and scheduling with the processor and THAT is where my plans came to a screeching halt.
We us a USDA Inspected Processor
Why is it important for us to use a USDA inspected facility? For safety & peace of mind!
My favorite processor is downsizing the birds they can accept because of workforce issues. I know everyone is having these problems and let’s get real, how much would it take for you to work in a slaughterhouse, processing upwards of 2000 birds daily? I am going to leave the environment to your imagination and not paint colorful details for you. For me to work there? I would have to be facing starvation and still need a puke bucket. So respect to those that show up every morning.
Now this seems like a problem that can be solved with a google search and a phone call, but poultry processors are not as common as beef/pork processors. In fact, there are only three in the state of Ohio and fewer than that in surrounding states. So “shopping” for a processor turned into moments of silence, praying they can accept your birds while listening to the on hold music.
On the bright side, all of our birds are scheduled for the year, so crisis averted……. For now.
I will have to juggle 2 processors in order to accomplish the 2023 season. So if I am whining about getting lost, or packaging drama, overlook me we will get through this season, and know I will be submitting my 2024 dates by May!
2023 Hurdle #1- Conquered, hopefully there isn’t a #2 but lets get real this is Ag and there will probably be 10!