Ranch to table

Idaho ranchers are moving cattle, in the time of COVID-19, the industry is rapidly changing.

“We do have a market for people to purchase an animal,” said rancher Mike Ingersoll.

Many ranchers like Ingersoll report an increase in demand for their beef. While packers and retailers have seen supply chain issues throughout the pandemic, some major processing plants were closed down because of illness, that led to rising cost and even rationing of beef at some grocery stores. That sent consumers directly to ranchers.

"I see this as a trend of people wanting to know exactly where their beef is coming from and where they were processed," said Linda Rider.

Linda Rider at Rider Ranch in Coeur d'Alene says consumers just wanted someone dependable.