With meat markets shutting down and word of a possible shortage looming, local butchers are weighing in.

“People want steaks,” says Heather Jowett, owner and operator of Country Meat Deli in Steinbach, “and some people are willing to pay the price, but it’s getting a little out of hand.”

Still, Jowett says they are fortunate to source their own pork from hog plants in Blumenort, but the premium on beef has many shoppers shifting to other options.  “It will slowly start to come down again,” offers Jowett admitting she’s guessing, “but it could take some weeks.”

The greater concern for Jowett is making sure her staff stays healthy. “There are so many plants shut down right now, so we’re just trying to get staff to be extra cautious.”

For Earl Funk, owner of Earl’s Meat Market in Steinbach, concerns are almost obsolete.

“I buy from Kleefeld, Giroux, Vita, some from Anola,” lists Funk, “so I’m not worried, not at all.”

Funk says he opened his store back in 2005 after witnessing the effects of Mad Cow Disease on national and global supply chains.

“This is the reason we started the business,” says Funk, “so we would be totally isolated from what’s happening nationally with the grocery store chains.”

Owner of Niverville’s Bigway John Smitke does rely more on larger supply chains and says his suppliers admit to minor concerns regarding meat. “There are going to be some issues in the supply chain but it’s more of a filling of the gaps,” says Smitke, “so there shouldn’t any serious long-term shortages.”

Smitke also orders from some local meat suppliers and says between the two avenues his store should be stocked.

With the complications caused by COVID-19 the obstacles of larger supply chains have obviously increased, and for that Funk offers a solution.

“Shop local, support local, and take care of your neighbour.”