A lot of Iowegians winter in Florida. A lot of them used to take meat with them because of poor quality in Florida. They claimed that had changed in more recent years.
In any case, Tampa high prices aren’t from outrageous producer prices.
Ribeyes seem about right. Way too much for flank steak.
Sample prices around Des Moines:
ribeye 7.99/lb.
top sirloin 4.99/lb.
new york strip 6.99/lb.
boneless chuck roast 3.69/lb
sirloin tip 2.99/lb.
Maybe there is more demand in Tampa for flank steak or less supply.
With respect to prices, let’s also count state and federal gasoline and diesel tax for vehicles in the food distribution system, then there’s the business tax on profits, the employee taxes, SSI, and OSDI, and health care, liscences and fees, inspections, etc. Taxes are the biggest slice of the pie. If you want to cut prices, cut gov’t out of the picture.