I can find anything here in rural MO. Problem is, prices skyrocketed on meat last year and came back down but not all the way back down. Everything under $6/lb has gone up $1/lb. Everything over $8/lb is $2-4/lb higher. Ribeye, KC Strip and T-Bone steaks are damn near $20/lb.
Meat sales have changed too with only the cheaper cuts being put on sale. Pork steaks, ground beef, pork loin, chicken thighs and drumsticks.
Produce is $1/lb more now too. I used to be able to get red grapes for $1.29 - 1.69 and rarely over $2/lb. Now they’re $2.99/lb and never go on sale.
Paper products are up $1-2 per package.
I’m buying fruit trees, bushes and vines next Spring. We already started a meat goat herd and I want to get some small pasture pigs. I’ve got a ton of veggie seeds and need to go big on gardening next Spring.
I want to get us to the point where all we need to buy is staples.
“I want to get us to the point where all we need to buy is staples.”
AMEN to that! If I have the fresh basics and staples, I can feed us for months on end.
I really need to get laying hens again - need a secure place to keep them, though. I gave up my Chicken Coop spot to Beau for more dog kennels - which now I see was a very dumb move on my part. *Rolleyes*
My beef steer (’Weber’) is filling out nicely. He’s on pasture, but he gets two scoops of sweet oats every day, as well as a few Milk Bones; he thinks he’s a dog.
Once he goes to ‘The Spa’ this coming March, he’ll cost us about $4-$5/pound for all cuts. Prime Rib at Easter for $4-$5 a pound? I’m all in!
I really need to re-think the chicken situation...
We started planting dwarf fruit trees and berry bushes in 2008, and added another garden plot. We have added a new plot every year since then.
Even use some of them to grow wheat, rye, and garlic in the winter. Subdivision rules out goats, pigs etc. But I started canning meats that were on sale in 2013. I try to rotate them on a three year turn around.
May have to go to a 5 year turn around. Ha.