Round Two For Texas

Just when you thought things were getting back to normal, the change in seasons brings with it an increase in new cases daily. So many that Gov. Greg Abbott has paused the ambitious reopening of Texas and closed some businesses.

In issuing this order, all bars are once again closed after a brief return to opening under previous restrictions for social distancing. Many people have expressed their disappointment and displeasure in this, while others accept the reversing as inevitable and lay blame upon the great number of protests recently.

With restrictions being implemented once again and people not going back to work as expected, the lines at stores are again appearing, store shelves are beginning to become bare once again. And yes, toilet paper seemed to be one of the biggest selling items again.

What many people see besides long lines and bare shelves, are huge increases in the price of beef, while ranchers are being shortchanged at market. By the estimates I have seen in groups, as much as $300-400 per head of cattle. Yet the price of beef has doubled in recent weeks.

This has sparked an investigation into price fixing by the small group of buyers by the US-DOJ. Comm. Sid Miller has called for this investigation for some time now, as the Texas Department of Agriculture had begun to see prices edging up at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. That investigation is ongoing and there is little information to report on the progress currently.

In turn, Mr. Miller and the TDA have begun a series of new groups on social media to help ranchers, farmers, and consumers come together to help each other.

Direct From Texas and Shop Texas Farms are two new groups on Facebook meant to offer consumers fresh choices, and to help the ranchers and farmers who are being shortchanged by the corporate powers that be.

The above map of ten areas is used for both groups. Within the groups postings, farmers and ranchers are asked to list their offerings by these regions. Yes, there may be a drive involved. My grandmother used to say that traveling a spell instead of just a bit down the road is part of life in Texas.

These groups are growing quickly, and I have yet to see a single corporate logo. I see people and families, honey and fruits, vegetables and eggs, and most importantly beef. Turkey, pork, and chicken are also available. But when you see a Wagyu brisket offered for $109, you lose interest in those other things.

And as we sigh at the possibility of another lock down marathon of chilling, couch forts, and tea parties, at least there are some fresh alternatives to help everyone.