Local Beef
Do You Know Where Your Beef Comes From?
Most Americans don't — and that's not a criticism. It's just how the modern beef supply works.
America's Beef Supply Is a Global System
The United States is one of the world's largest beef producers — and one of its largest importers. Beef from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other countries routinely enters the U.S. supply chain, where it is often blended, processed, and packaged domestically. That's not inherently a problem. International trade keeps prices competitive and supply stable. But it does mean that the ground beef or steak in your grocery cart may have traveled thousands of miles and passed through several hands before reaching you — and the label may not tell you much about that journey.
Labeling Has Been a Moving Target
Country of Origin Labeling — known as COOL — has had a complicated history in the U.S. Mandatory labeling for beef was introduced, challenged through international trade disputes, and ultimately repealed for muscle cuts in 2015 after the World Trade Organization ruled it discriminatory toward Canadian and Mexican imports. Today, ground beef sold at retail is still required to carry country-of-origin information, but the rules are complex and the labeling can be difficult to interpret. "Product of USA" can legally appear on beef that was born, raised, and slaughtered abroad — as long as it was processed here.
Gooding, Idaho
A Different Choice Is Available
At Butcher Block Custom Cutting, we process beef raised right here in southern Idaho. When you buy from us, you can know the source — not because of a label, but because of a relationship. We're not here to tell you that imported beef is bad or that the global supply chain is broken. We're here to offer an alternative for people who want to know their processor, trust their source, and keep their food dollars in their community.
Ready to Know Your Source?
Call us to learn about buying locally processed beef direct from our facility in Gooding, ID.
(208) 934-4028