Post by brigitte on Apr 21, 2018 7:50:30 GMT -5
Empire Livestock, Chatham, NY will close May 1
The Chatham auction has been around for as long as I have, pretty sure. It's where you would "ship" a cow or bull calf, and where you would go to find an animal despite the risk of the unknowns. It reminded me a lot of the Orleans Commission Sales in northern Vermont, something of a combination of a three ring circus, comedy night, church supper and business meeting. I have to this day never seen such a...um....unique assortment of people and animals some in pretty sad condition. It was on a Thursday night and we looked forward to the entertainment. I have no idea if its still there
Back to Chatham...it will leave the few remaining farmers with even fewer options. For years there has been a cry for a mobile slaughterhouse, but government regulations have so far made it immpossible or close to it and no one has been willing to invest in it.
The connection to meat markets, even through private sales that avoid some of the USDA stamping is so tenuous. If the one man who is willing to come to me and harvest animals for a reasonable price on my farm retires, it's over for me.
It makes me crazy that people crave and laud local, sustainable food. They love to drive by it, but complain about the cost and don't want to get involved in helping to create the necessary support system that must exist to make it happen
In this case Im still not sure after getting the "dear valued consignor" letter what happened, but it seems that the profit margin for the middleman and the ability to find help pushed the decision.
i
Richard Moody Columbia-Greene Media
April 20, 2018 11:06 pm
CHATHAM — Empire Livestock in Chatham will close its doors May 1 because of changes in the market and difficulties finding skilled labor to fill positions, the facility’s general manager announced Friday.
Empire Livestock has eight locations across the state and commands a market share of more than 50 percent of all livestock sales in its operating territory, according to the company’s website.
The company sent a letter to all of its consignors Wednesday, letting them know that the Chatham location on 2249 Route 203, will close May 1. Empire buys livestock from farmers to sell at auction.
“In this ever-changing marketplace, Empire Livestock Marketing continues to look for ways to increase efficiencies and provide value to our consignors, customers and the agriculture communities in which we operate,” said Empire Livestock General Manager Kenneth Krutz. “After evaluating the opportunities and challenges at each of our livestock markets, we have decided to take steps to streamline efficiencies and increase the value we provide our customers.”
The meat industry is evolving, Krutz said, with new ways of delivering products to customers.
“The beef industry has changed and the competitive nature is driving changes in the marketplace,” Krutz said. “The Chatham market is in a region where some cattle buyers are able to offer direct pick-up services.”
Krutz said farmers can use online services to auction their own livestock for direct pick-up from suppliers.
The company also found it difficult to find skilled labor in the area to fill open positions, Krutz said.
“Additionally, finding experienced and willing employees in the region has been a challenge,” Krutz said.
Closing the Chatham market will leave the next closest Empire location at 872 Route 30A, Central Bridge, which is more than an hour away from Chatham, according to Google Maps.
“This was a difficult decision, and Empire remains committed to serving farmers in New York and the community,” Krutz said. “We have worked with current customers to transition them to nearby Empire Livestock Markets to continue to meet their ongoing needs.”
The company’s other locations are 6732 Pickup Hill Road, Cherry Creek; 49 East Main St., Dryden; 952 U.S. Highway 11, Gouverneur; Ridge Road, Auburn; and 357 Lake St., Pavilion.
Empire employs a total of 27 workers at all of its auction centers.
“As we look to the future, Empire continues to evaluate opportunities which will generate efficiencies and value for consignors and customers,” Krutz said. “We remain committed to providing superior service and value.”
The Chatham auction has been around for as long as I have, pretty sure. It's where you would "ship" a cow or bull calf, and where you would go to find an animal despite the risk of the unknowns. It reminded me a lot of the Orleans Commission Sales in northern Vermont, something of a combination of a three ring circus, comedy night, church supper and business meeting. I have to this day never seen such a...um....unique assortment of people and animals some in pretty sad condition. It was on a Thursday night and we looked forward to the entertainment. I have no idea if its still there
Back to Chatham...it will leave the few remaining farmers with even fewer options. For years there has been a cry for a mobile slaughterhouse, but government regulations have so far made it immpossible or close to it and no one has been willing to invest in it.
The connection to meat markets, even through private sales that avoid some of the USDA stamping is so tenuous. If the one man who is willing to come to me and harvest animals for a reasonable price on my farm retires, it's over for me.
It makes me crazy that people crave and laud local, sustainable food. They love to drive by it, but complain about the cost and don't want to get involved in helping to create the necessary support system that must exist to make it happen
In this case Im still not sure after getting the "dear valued consignor" letter what happened, but it seems that the profit margin for the middleman and the ability to find help pushed the decision.
i
Richard Moody Columbia-Greene Media
April 20, 2018 11:06 pm
CHATHAM — Empire Livestock in Chatham will close its doors May 1 because of changes in the market and difficulties finding skilled labor to fill positions, the facility’s general manager announced Friday.
Empire Livestock has eight locations across the state and commands a market share of more than 50 percent of all livestock sales in its operating territory, according to the company’s website.
The company sent a letter to all of its consignors Wednesday, letting them know that the Chatham location on 2249 Route 203, will close May 1. Empire buys livestock from farmers to sell at auction.
“In this ever-changing marketplace, Empire Livestock Marketing continues to look for ways to increase efficiencies and provide value to our consignors, customers and the agriculture communities in which we operate,” said Empire Livestock General Manager Kenneth Krutz. “After evaluating the opportunities and challenges at each of our livestock markets, we have decided to take steps to streamline efficiencies and increase the value we provide our customers.”
The meat industry is evolving, Krutz said, with new ways of delivering products to customers.
“The beef industry has changed and the competitive nature is driving changes in the marketplace,” Krutz said. “The Chatham market is in a region where some cattle buyers are able to offer direct pick-up services.”
Krutz said farmers can use online services to auction their own livestock for direct pick-up from suppliers.
The company also found it difficult to find skilled labor in the area to fill open positions, Krutz said.
“Additionally, finding experienced and willing employees in the region has been a challenge,” Krutz said.
Closing the Chatham market will leave the next closest Empire location at 872 Route 30A, Central Bridge, which is more than an hour away from Chatham, according to Google Maps.
“This was a difficult decision, and Empire remains committed to serving farmers in New York and the community,” Krutz said. “We have worked with current customers to transition them to nearby Empire Livestock Markets to continue to meet their ongoing needs.”
The company’s other locations are 6732 Pickup Hill Road, Cherry Creek; 49 East Main St., Dryden; 952 U.S. Highway 11, Gouverneur; Ridge Road, Auburn; and 357 Lake St., Pavilion.
Empire employs a total of 27 workers at all of its auction centers.
“As we look to the future, Empire continues to evaluate opportunities which will generate efficiencies and value for consignors and customers,” Krutz said. “We remain committed to providing superior service and value.”