"Well enough, but this does tell you what The Meat House does not have: natural meats."

I was told by a sales person at the Meat House that they obtain their beef meats from the Midwest. They could be natural meats.

Well enough, but this does tell you what The Meat House does not have: natural meats.

That said, here's a pertinent (and rather telling) discussion at the City-Data Forums … and notice that the speaker is not hiding behind one name; she identifies herself:

Cindy Gorgodian
I would not go the the Meat House as they bad mouth every one. Whats your beef has the best meats and prices. Would not go any were else. And do not care what any one says its the best No hormones, No steroids & No antibiotcs.

"A butcher shop is about convenience, service and quality, as well as the ability to legally cut meat- traits most farmers cannot accomplish all at once. Buyer beware!"

Could you explain what you mean by the "ability to legally cut meat"? Is there some law you are alluding to?

Are you saying that farmers grow meats? I suppose it's possible for a farmer to also grow meats. Are you saying that the farmers are responsible for for cutting the meat that a butcher puts out to sell?

I see in many of their displays the cut of beef and the meat where it was cut from. That's pretty specific. They are, after all, butchers!

Now I know I'm not some person who knows the business of a butcher. But, I've been buying from butchers ever since I was educated on eating clean meats; not shot up with chemicals and estrogen and plastered with preservatives to keep on a shelf for a very long time.

When I watch these guys cut the meat right in front of me, and compare to whatever the point you are making, my attention goes to you, Ralph.

What's Your Beef sells meats that are great tasting; their service is very good. They even engage in great conversations and are friendly in a real or natural way. They even tolerate my weird humor, which is impressive. I don't see your implied and specious and probably baseless accusation.

As far as the caveat emptor of "buyer beware," I'm wondering if you are connected to a rival store, here in South Charlotte, playing some dirty tactic. If so, it's very bad business! Generalities, half-truths and prevarications will come back to haunt you. If you are willing to pull such shenanigans on your competition, what are you willing to do with your own products that you are selling. There's also the rule about the fellow who accuses others of what that fellow is guilty of. Food is something that everybody needs. There are plenty of people to sell to. Don't be a pig and not allow others to eat at the trough. If you can't allow competition … that alone speaks volumes about your own products.

The way you word your post making it of foundational and great importance to the transparency of the local food movement. Wow!

Reader beware of Ralph!

I wanted to add one thing: I don't think that a merchant's unwillingness to disclose his resources automatically means he/she is doing something wrong or has something to hide. I suspect it's just a matter of protecting resources, which I'd guess that many companies do. Your mileage may vary; that's just my take on it.

At any rate, if you want to drive to a farm, great. If you want to buy from a butcher, great. I'm certainly not adamant about either one. :)

http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M28867

We also get our pork from him, but do not buy eggs or chickens because there is soy in his feed. For soy free eggs and broilers we raise them in the backyard. ;)

His beef and pork is delicious.

I would love the farmer's information as well! Thanks.