Since we’re talking meat here, I’ve read a couple articles about the big four quietly buying up all the small slaughter houses. Ever wonder why the meat prices have sky rocketed. Forgive the source, it still gives one a clue.
Bacon Is About to Get More Expensive
http://www.motherjones.com/tom-philpott/2015/07/bacon-jbs-cargill-pork
There are at least three oil/gasoline refineries here in MT.
MT is a major beef producer
It costs me more here than back east for both meat or gasoline.