Re: Raw and suppliers

["Roger & Kimberly" <rogerkimberly@home.com>]

Hi!
    Have you started this?  I am just getting to reading all of the BARF
diet information.  Would love to hear how all of you are doing with this
diet & the co-op.  Thanks!
    Kimberly  :-)
    Mother of Timothy & Lauren (b/g twins) & Kobe (10 month Rescue from
Gina)

> Hi All, (disregard if your not feeding raw and or don't live in the area)
>
> It is becoming increasingly evident to me that we are going to need to
form
> a co-op to get our best deals on meat.  Western Boxed meats has made a
> statement:  They do not work with individuals.  Now I have an account with
> them and they are not going to cut me off but those needing small
qualities
> are not going to get in there and they don't even want to be asked...
>
> So we need to brain storm on this.  Here is what I have to offer info
wise:
>
> I have room to store freezers, and have a large truck.
>
> As it stands I need to buy an new bigger freezer to replace one I have
> which is a waste.
>
>   George goes up to WBM after work when we need meat which significantly
> reduces transport cost.
>
> WBM closes at 4:30 PM is only open Monday through Friday so George has to
> take off early to do this and it must come off with out any hitches.
>
> Here is a sample of what I pay for meat:
>
> Turkey necks 30 to 40 pound boxes:  29 cents a pound
>
> Chicken backs 30#  .32
>
> Chicken hind quarters 40# .35
>
> Pork neck bones 50#  .69
>
> ground turkey: 20# (two 10 pound chubs) .69
>
> ground chicken 20# ( two 10 pound chubs) .59
>
> beef heart 50#  .60
>
> beef liver 25# .60
>
> Now here is how I see what we need:
>
> If I am going to be the drop off point I need to invest in on to two more
> freezers.
>
> a. cost of purchase
>
> b. maintenance/electricity
>
> each family needs to have a freezer big enough to store 3 months of meat
on
> site for their personal use.
>
> a schedule needs to be set for purchases
>
> volunteers needed to make runs.  (this has some obstacles that will have
to
> be worked out)
>
> a. large enough vehicle to make runs I use for instance about 1000 pounds
> of meat in 3 months.
>
> b. availability to pick up during WBM operation hours
>
> c. it's my account and is cash and carry only so getting my check to them
> has it's obstacles.
>
> d. drop off point (s)  remember we are dealing with frozen perishable
> product, heavy boxes, and others work schedules.
>
> Ok brain tired here....  So take the ball and run...  I am all ears and
> willing to help on this.  I can act as Team leader or as a facilitator
here
> but need team members.  Ok yes this is TQM approach, remember I use to
> teach TQM: Total Quality Management ( Mobil Oil Corp.)
>
> Other options as I see them for individuals no co op:
>
> Contact your local grocery store meat manager in person and ask them to
> cost out for you the above noted items.  Use an (IGA) independent over the
> big ones like: Safeway, Fred Meyer these stores will sometimes help but I
> have noticed they charge more and all their products come thought their
own
> distribution centers so there is like a third middle man here.  Safeway
> here will order T necks but charge 69 cents a pound in bulk, more than I
> think you should pay.
>
> Roths which is an IGA will order (they use WBM btw) and mark up to 49
cents
> a pound.  They can get anything that WBM has....  But your going to pay a
> bit more.  However this might just weigh out cheaper for some than to come
> down here to pick up meat.
>
> You are going to have to put forth some effort here in finding a reliable
> source.
>
> Or I am just going to have to go into retail meat sales.  I may do this
> really I might...  I of course will as well need to mark up meat if I
> invest in freezers, and run the books on this.  I have no problem doing
> this if I know there is going to be a market...
>
> Ok give me your thoughts!
>
> Gina:-)
>
> Check your Mom Pop stores, butcher shops,
>
>
>
>
>
>