Oregon sustainable beef co-op loses members – The Register Guard

The Country Natural Beef cooperative said it’s having trouble filling orders because high prices are luring some producers back to traditional sales outlets. The cooperative hopes consumers will...

The Country Natural Beef cooperative said it’s having trouble filling orders because high prices are luring some producers back to traditional sales outlets. The cooperative hopes consumers will pay a premium for meat raised under guidelines for sustainability. But the high price of beef generally h

The Country Natural Beef cooperative said it’s having trouble filling orders because high prices are luring some producers back to traditional sales outlets.

The cooperative hopes consumers will pay a premium for meat raised under guidelines for sustainability. But the high price of beef generally has cut into the advantage the branded product enjoys.

Co-op officials told the Capital Press it has 75 full members and 15 prospective members. At one time the co-op had more than 100 members.

The cooperative said it has been able to buy cattle that meet its specifications so it can supply retailers — but that’s costly.

Adding to costs are added requirements from some retail buyers for new third-party certifications of animal care practices and sustainable production, marketing director Stacy Davies said.

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