NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Where’s the beef? That is the question one New Mexico organization is working to answer by connecting consumers with local farmers, ranchers and butcher shops
The New Mexico Beef Council, which provides promotion, education, and research programs relating to cattle and beef products, created a directory that lists local purveyors across the state that sell beef directly to the public.
“We just want to find more ways for you to buy beef. And we really believe that it’s safe, wholesome, and nutritious no matter where you’re buying it,” said Carollann Romo, executive director for the New Mexico Beef Council.
The Local Beef Directory is available online at nmbeef.com. Romo said the council was inspired by directories in other states, such as the one created by the California Beef Council. “So the local beef directory came originally from our friends at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. They have extensive lists and information about who’s selling items direct to the public,” Romo explained.
The directory officially launched in early 2025, and the New Mexico Beef Council started promoting it recently. As the word gets out, Romo explained producers have reached out to the council to get their information added to the directory.
“I think every time we tell somebody, eyebrows go up and excitement is there because it’s neat to see, you know, businesses, and whether you’re a producer and you see your name on the list, or you’re someone that’s choosing to look for a local place to source their beef,” said Romo.
So far, the directory has contact information for 85 local beef sellers from all four regions of the state. On the list, you will also find information on whether the beef is Beef Quality Assurance Certified, natural, USDA organic, grass fed, and/or grain-finished.
Additional comments under each seller may also specify which types of cuts are available for purchase, such as wholes, halves, or individual cuts. Some of the sellers also specified that they sell beef jerky.
The New Mexico Beef Council encourages anyone who would like to be added to the list to reach out to them. “We live in a time, we live in a nation where we have the opportunity to choose our own food. And so if someone wants to make that choice of buying locally, I know a lot of people feel good about that. And so we have that resource,” Romo said.
Note: The New Mexico Beef Council collects $1 per animal sold pursuant to the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985, known as the Federal Beef Checkoff, and $1 per animal sold pursuant to the State Assessment as passed in 2019 with state law. The Federal Beef Checkoff is split between the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (50 cents) and the New Mexico Beef Council (50 cents).