Let’s talk about one of the most common complaints I hear: “Local food is just too expensive.” People see the prices at the grocery store and compare them to the prices at the farm stand, and yeah, the farm-direct prices might be a little higher. But here’s the thing—there’s a reason local food costs more, and it’s not because farmers are trying to get rich. Trust me, if we were in this for the money alone, we’d have quit a long time ago.
When you buy directly from a farm, you’re not just paying for an egg or a pound of meat. You’re supporting the whole process, from the feed that keeps those animals healthy to the fencing that keeps them safe. For us at Huckleberry Farms, our sales go directly back into taking care of the animals, plain and simple. Take feed, for instance—it’s our biggest cost, and this year, our sales haven’t even covered that. We’re expecting Spring 2025 to go better as we’ll have a more established customer base, but until then, we’re still growing and paying out of pocket to make sure our animals get the best.
Beyond feed, where does that money go? Let me give you the full picture. We’ve got costs for plants in the spring, fencing, building materials, and equipment. We’re talking water buckets, feeders, rabbit cages, nest boxes, egg cartons, poultry leg bands, the works. There are also the admin programs we use to run things behind the scenes—tracking apps, social media fees, and Everbreed memberships to keep track of rabbit pedigrees so we’re improving our stock quality. There are vet bills when they come up, fuel costs, and our monthly donation to the Savory Institute, which helps fund regenerative practices worldwide and expands my own knowledge for use here on the farm.
In other words, buying directly from a farm means you’re not just paying for food. You’re investing in a whole system that supports animal welfare, sustainable practices, and quality that you just won’t find in a factory-farmed product. That higher cost is what allows us to give our animals space, fresh air, and real care. It means no cutting corners, no cheap feed full of junk, and no overcrowding. And when you’re eating farm-fresh eggs or pastured chicken, you’re tasting the difference.
People like to think that cheap food at the grocery store is just as good as local food. But that “cheap” food is cheap because corners are cut at every turn. Animals are crowded into tight spaces, given low-quality feed, and rushed to market. The whole system is built to maximize profit, not to deliver quality or respect for the animals. So yeah, maybe you save a few bucks buying grocery store eggs or meat, but in the end, you’re paying for it in other ways—through lower nutritional value, environmental damage, and a system that doesn’t respect the animals or the land.
And here’s the kicker: in the long run, local food can actually save you money. When you buy directly from a farmer, you’re not just getting higher-quality food; you’re also supporting local jobs, preserving farmland, and keeping your dollars in your own community. All that helps keep the local economy stable, and it reduces your dependence on an industrial food system that’s anything but stable.
So is local food worth the cost? Absolutely. You’re not just buying a product; you’re supporting a way of life that values animals, the land, and the community. And believe me, when you taste the difference and see the value, those extra dollars feel like a smart investment, not a splurge.
Until next time,
Traci
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